Quinoa Salad
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
317 kcal
-
Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
Quinoa Salad
Description
The Quinoa Salad starts by cooking quinoa in vegetable broth for added flavor and cooling it to maintain a fluffy texture. A dressing composed of extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, ground cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a citrusy, smoky, and slightly spicy kick. Mixing the cooled quinoa with black beans provides a protein and fiber-rich base, while halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions add freshness and crunch. Fresh cilantro lends herbal brightness, and chunks of avocado introduce creaminess.
This salad serves well as a side dish or light main course and can be enjoyed immediately after assembly. It balances hearty and fresh elements, suitable for warm weather or as a nutrient-dense addition to a meal.
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or steak can turn this into a more substantial entrée as desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 2 cups vegetable broth , chicken broth, or water
- 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 5 green onions , chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 1 avocado chopped
- salt to taste, freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 lime juiced, fresh
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin ground
- pinch red pepper flakes crushed
Instructions
- Cook quinoa and vegetable broth according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork, then allow to cool for at least 20 minutes.
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl: olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble: Transfer quinoa to a large bowl. Add black beans, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and avocado. Pour dressing over salad and stir gently to combine. Serve immediatly.
Notes
- Consider adding 12 ounces of grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or steak to increase protein and make the salad a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 317kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Sodium | 596mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 657mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 553IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
