Description
A vibrant and zesty Tex Mex Quinoa Salad packed with wholesome ingredients like black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and avocado, all tossed in a citrusy cumin-lime dressing. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep or a potluck dish.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Combine quinoa with water or vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Let sit off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
- While quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables: combine black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Use tri-color or red quinoa for added texture and color.
Add jalapeño or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Top with grilled tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein (omit for vegan).
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
Perfect served cold or at room temperature — no reheating needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
