Southwest Quinoa Salad
Description
This Southwest Quinoa Salad is a lively mix of textures, colors, and fresh flavors. Chickpeas and black beans pair with tender quinoa for a hearty base, while red bell pepper, cucumber, spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado add plenty of freshness and crunch.
A simple dressing of fresh lime juice, agave, cumin, and a touch of cayenne brings everything together with a bright balance of sweet, tangy, and gently spicy flavor. Easy to prepare and wonderfully filling, this vibrant salad is especially handy for meal-prep lunches or a fresh make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.
Salad
Dressing
Instructions
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Salad
Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff with a fork. Set it aside to cool while you move to the next step.
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Drain and rinse the chickpeas and black beans, and place them in a large salad bowl.
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Finely dice the bell pepper, avocado, and cucumber, and add them to the beans.
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Stir in the quinoa, spinach, and tomatoes.
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The dressing:
Whisk together the lime juice, maple syrup, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
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Drizzle the dressing into the large bowl and gently fold it in until everything is well combined.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups (approximately)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 243kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.3g10%
- Saturated Fat 0.9g5%
- Sodium 195mg9%
- Potassium 585mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 39g13%
- Dietary Fiber 9.3g38%
- Sugars 7.3g
- Protein 9.5g19%
- Vitamin A 88 mcg
- Vitamin C 33 mg
- Calcium 63 mg
- Iron 3.1 mg
- Vitamin E 1.6 mg
- Vitamin K 53 mcg
- Vitamin B6 0.33 mg
- Folate 163 mcg
- Magnesium 88 mg
- Zinc 1.6 mg
- Selenium 5.5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
