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    Home » Recipes » Healthy Recipes » Southwest Quinoa Salad

    Southwest Quinoa Salad

    Published: Jul 20, 2017 · Modified: Jun 7, 2021 by Sherri · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

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    This Southwest Quinoa Salad is loaded with flavor from tomatoes, black bean, corn, cilantro and a simple dressing of lime juice and Mexican seasonings.

    It makes the perfect side dish to take to any summer gathering or potluck and is ready in 20 minutes. It even makes a great meal in itself by adding grilled or baked chicken for added protein.

    a closeup of Southwest quinoa salad recipe in a white bowl

    If you are looking for an easy, delicious side dish, this quinoa salad is just what you need. It is great along side grilled burgers and chicken in the summer and fabulous along with any Taco Tuesday meal year-round.

    It is quick to make by just cooking the quinoa per the package directions then adding in fresh ingredients and tossing with the homemade dressing.

    black beans, corn, cilantro, and tomatoes in a white bowl

    Ingredients for Southwest Quinoa Salad

    Quinoa– measured dry and then cooked per package directions

    Black beans – rinsed & drained or 2 cups of dried cooked black beans

    Cilantro – chopped

    Green onions – sliced (also good with red onion)

    Cherry tomatoes – halved. You can also use whole tomatoes chopped into smaller chunks

    Corn – frozen, fresh or canned

    Avocados – diced

    Olive oil – for a simple dressing

    Limes – juice of one lime or 2 tablespoons of bottled lime juice

    Cumin – for the perfect Mexican touch of flavor.

    Garlic powder – to give it a bold flavor

    Salt and pepper to taste

    How to Make this Quinoa Salad

    Cook Quinoa per package directions

    quinoa in a black pot covered in water

    Mix all ingredients together.

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

    ENJOY!!

    Southwest quinoa salad recipe in a white bowl

    Tips/Variations

    Use red onion instead of green onion

    Add diced grilled or baked chicken

    Use pinto beans if desired.

    Use red quinoa if preferred.

    Use a tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning instead of the cumin and garlic powder.

    Try these other hearty salad recipes too:

    Southern Potato Salad

    Balsamic Broccoli Slaw

    Roasted Corn Orzo Pasta Salad

    Quinoa Tabouli Salad

    Avocado Tuna Salad

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    A bowl filled Quinoa salad with black beans, corn and tomatoes
    Southwest quinoa salad recipe in a white bowl

    Southwest Quinoa Salad

    This Southwest Quinoa Salad is loaded with flavor from tomatoes, black bean, corn, cilantro and a simple dressing of lime juice and Mexican seasonings.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 272kcal
    Author: Sherri Hagymas

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup quinoa measured dry and then cooked
    • 15 oz can black beans rinsed & drained or 2 cups of dried cooked black beans
    • ½ bunch cilantro chopped
    • 3-5 green onions sliced also good with red onion
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
    • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
    • 2 avocados diced
    • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of two limes or 4 tablespoon of Bottled Lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Mix all ingredients together.
    • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours but it is even better after several hours to overnight.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutritional Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @ToSimplyInspire or tag #ToSimplyInspire!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected

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    Filed Under: Healthy Recipes, Side Dishes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa

      August 02, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      Thank you for sharing this! How much is one serving?

      Reply
      • Sherri

        August 04, 2021 at 9:42 am

        One serving is approximately 1/2 cup. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Miz Helen

      July 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great week and come back soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    3. Diane Balch

      July 13, 2014 at 3:50 pm

      I love this recipe… simple and full of flavor. Thanks for bringing it to foodie friday. Pinned.

      Reply
    4. Karly

      July 12, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      This is my kind of salad! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

      Reply
    5. Stephanie

      July 12, 2014 at 2:27 am

      Looks so delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!

      Reply
    6. Wendy @ www.mamasblogcentral.com

      July 10, 2014 at 11:32 pm

      Mmmmmm this quinoa salad looks amazing. So healthy 🙂
      I would love for you to share this at my T.G.I.F. Linky Party @ MamasBlogCentral.com
      Have a great weekend!! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Swathi

      July 10, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      Delicious quinoa salad, Very healthy, Thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop. pinning it.

      Reply
    8. Natalie

      July 09, 2014 at 11:09 am

      I am always looking for quinoa recipes!! This looks so colorful and delicious…I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    9. Lori Hart

      July 08, 2014 at 10:49 pm

      I could make this my main meal for lunch. Perfect when I’m stuck at my desk. I found you over at theTwo Cup Tuesdays link party.  I host Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and would love it if you linked up this recipe. 

      Here is the link http://bit.ly/1jlh94r.  Have a wonderful day!!

      Reply
    10. Jamie

      July 07, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      I’m always looking for new ways to do quinoa! Thank you so much for linking up to Monday Funday!

      Reply

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    Hi there! I’m Sherri I love creating a variety of easy recipes that anyone can make and enjoy! From healthy to comforting, I hope you find something that inspires you!.

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