This flavorful Southwest Quinoa Salad is a quick and nutritious meal–perfect to meal prep ahead of time for lunch or dinner. Plus, you get to add any toppings of your choice!
Protein additions of your choice(such as cooked chicken, shrimp, roasted chickpeas, or crispy tofu)
Cheese of your choice(such as crumbled feta, goat cheese, queso fresco, or shredded mexican cheese)
Fresh diced mango
Toasted sliced almonds
Roasted sweet potato cubes
Chopped romaine lettuce or kale
Tortilla chips
Sour cream or plain greek yogurt
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Add quinoa to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Let dry quinoa toast for 2-3 minutes, then pour over water or broth. Let liquid come to a boil, then reduce to low heat and put the lid on. Let simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through. Once the quinoa is cooked: remove it from the heat, transfer to a large bowl, and let cool completely.*
To the same large bowl, add tomatoes, black beans, diced pepper, red onion, cilantro, corn, and stir to combine.
In a small bowl or food processor, whisk together lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over quinoa salad and gently stir to incorporate the dressing throughout the quinoa.
Gently fold in diced avocado at the end.
Then in true Cheerful Choices manner… serve with any optional toppings of your choice to give it your own flare!
You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
*Meal prep tip: You can make this quinoa ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to make. February is Canned Foods Month and for this recipe we are using canned tomatoes as a convenient, affordable option. Read above to learn more about the benefits of canned fruits and veggies!