Description
Southwest quinoa delight combines zesty flavors from Mexico with protein-packed grains. Colorful ingredients and quick preparation make this meal perfect for hungry people seeking a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed and drained
- 15 oz (425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 ¾ cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
- 3 tbsps fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Quinoa Preparation: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium flame, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Cooking Quinoa: Add quinoa and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is fully absorbed and quinoa becomes fluffy.
- Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Salad Assembly: Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl and incorporate corn, black beans, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Dressing and Finishing: Pour lime vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture, gently fold to distribute flavors evenly, and season to taste.
- Serving: Present the quinoa salad warm or chilled, optionally garnishing with guacamole or sliced avocado for added richness.
Notes
- Boost Quinoa Texture: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitter saponin coating and ensure fluffy, light grains.
- Balance Flavor Intensities: Let vinaigrette sit for 10 minutes before adding to salad, allowing spices to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Maximize Nutritional Power: Choose low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt intake while keeping quinoa rich and flavorful.
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Quinoa salad stays fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and quick lunch options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg