Southwest Quinoa Salad

Close up of a Southwest Quinoa Salad in a white bowl.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Best Season: Summer, Spring
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
  • 1 cup quinoa (1 cup dry yields 3 cups cooked)
  • 2 cups water
  • 15 ounces chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 red bell pepper (cored and diced small)
  • 1 large avocado (diced small)
  • 1 English cucumber (diced small)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
    • Dressing
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (each)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Salad

    Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

     

  2. 2

    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.

     

  3. 3

    Drain and rinse the chickpeas and black beans, and place them in a large salad bowl.

  4. 4

    Finely dice the bell pepper, avocado, and cucumber, and add them to the beans.

  5. 5

    Stir in the quinoa, spinach, and tomatoes.

     

  6. 6
    The dressing:

    Whisk together the lime juice, maple syrup, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.

  7. 7
    Southwest Quinoa Salad in a white bowl with a fork, napkin, and glass of iced water.

    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.

Keywords: Southwest quinoa salad, Southwestern quinoa salad, Quinoa black bean salad, Quinoa avocado salad
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/southwest-quinoa-salad/