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Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad
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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Southwest Quinoa Salad, a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans, this colorful dish is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile—ideal as a main course, side dish, or meal prep option. The zesty homemade lime dressing ties all the fresh vegetables together, creating a refreshing and satisfying experience. Enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 15 ounces black beans
  • 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (cut in half)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
  • 1 red bell pepper (small dice)
  • 1/4 red onion (small dice)
  • 1 jalapeno (small dice)
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 2–3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon agave (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. After draining, add it to a pot along with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a small jar, combine avocado oil, lime juice, agave syrup, and kosher salt. Seal the jar tightly and shake well until all ingredients are well mixed and emulsified. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa along with black beans, halved tomatoes, thawed corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, diced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro leaves. Pour your prepared dressing over the top of these ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
  4. You can serve your Southwest Quinoa Salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together beautifully. For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they can last up to five days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://simplecookvibes.com/southwest-quinoa-salad/

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