Name: Southwest Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (measured dry and then cooked); 1 15 oz can black beans (rinsed & drained or 2 cups of dried cooked black beans); 1/2 bunch of cilantro (chopped); 3-5 green onions sliced (also good with red onion); 1 pint of cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); 2 avocados (diced); 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil; Juice of two limes or 4 TBSP of Bottled Lime juice; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; pepper to taste

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This Southwest Quinoa Salad is loaded with flavor! It makes the perfect side dish or even a meal as itself by adding grilled or baked chicken for added protein

I owe this Southwest Quinoa Salad recipe to my friend Katie. She made it when I was at her house for a cook-out a long, long time ago and I fell in love instantly. (No doubt my love of cilantro had a lot to do with that!)

If you are looking for a easy, delicious side dish for a cookout or family gathering, this quinoa salad will be perfect! Be ready to give out the recipe. I even add chicken to it sometimes as well.

Ingredients for Southwest Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa, measured dry and then cooked per package directions

1 15oz can black beans, rinsed & drained or 2 cups of dried cooked black beans

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

3-5 green onions sliced (also good with red onion)

1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

2 avocados, diced

2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Juice of two limes or 4 TBSP of bottled Lime juice

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

pepper to taste

How to Make Southwest Quinoa Salad

Mix all ingredients together.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (but it is even better after several hours to overnight).

ENJOY!!

Try these other hearty salad recipes too:

Southern Potato Salad

Balsamic Broccoli Slaw

Roasted Corn Orzo Pasta Salad

Quinoa Tabouli Salad

Avocado Tuna Salad