This SOUTHWEST QUINOA SALAD is loaded with fresh veggies and packed with southwest flavor. The perfect side for summer cookouts, potlucks, or weeknight dinners!
I’ll never forget the first time I made quinoa for my family. They were skeptical, to say the least. In fact, I’m not sure they had ever even heard of quinoa, let alone thought of trying it….or being forced to eat it for dinner. So I decided to pull out all the stops and combine it with something I know they all love: tacos!
The minute they saw it, they were reluctant to say the least. “QUINOA for dinner!?!? Do we have to eat it???” Well of course, they had to eat it…and, lo and behold, they liked it! They gobbled it! It was a huge success. Now, I’d love to tell you that was the turning point, that they’ve loved quinoa ever since. Because believe me, I’ve tried! But the truth is that nothing has quite compared to the Quinoa Taco Salad. Until now.
I decided to follow my own lead and go with taco-ish flavors: tomatoes, peppers, black beans, cilantro, avocado, corn, cumin. The end result is nothing short of DELICIOUS! This Southwest Quinoa Salad makes the perfect side dish for any summer occasion, and can also be eaten all on its own. I can see myself taking this on a picnic, bringing it to a pot luck, and eating it for lunch or dinner all. the. time. I love that it’s fresh, healthy, and so incredibly flavorful….and I love that it’s so easy to make ahead! Definitely a new “go-to” summer salad and one that I know will be a crowd favorite.
What about you? Where do you and your family stand with quinoa? Whether you love it or are still on the fence about it, this Southwest Quinoa Salad is a great recipe to try. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Ingredients
- 1 c. uncooked quinoa 3 cups cooked
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes
- 1 c. chopped bell peppers
- 1 c. charred corn
- ½ c. black beans drained
- ½ c. chopped red onion
- 1 avocado chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For dressing:
- ½ c. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro minced
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. coriander
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare veggies.
- Combine quinoa and veggies in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare dressing by combining ingredients and shaking until well mixed.
- Pour dressing over quinoa and veggies and stir to combine.
- Spoon into serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Looking for more delicious quinoa recipes to try? Here are some I think you might love!
Carole from Carole's Chatter says
Hi Cathy, this is great. I hope you bring it over to Food on Friday: Free For All. Cheers from Carole’s Chatter