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Southwest Quinoa Salad with Chili Lime Dressing
5 from 21 votes

Southwest Quinoa Salad with Chili Lime Dressing

Southwest Quinoa Salad combines fluffy quinoa with black beans, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, dressed in a homemade chili lime dressing. The salad blends bright citrus, smoky chili powder, and fresh herbs, delivering a balanced and textured dish suitable as a light meal or a side salad for Southwestern or Mexican-inspired dishes.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
27 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 289 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ¾ cups quinoa dry
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup bell pepper or sweet mini peppers (any color, chopped
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 jalapeño
  • ¼-½ cup onion red, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup cilantro fresh, chopped
HOMEMADE CHILI LIME DRESSING
  • 3 TBSP avocado oil
  • 1 TBSP white wine vinegar
  • ½ lime (juiced)
  • ¼ tsp garlic approx. 1 small clove, fresh, minced
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve.
  2. Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for a minute or two. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
  3. Next add water, set burner at high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. While the quinoa cooks, chop and prep your veggies and cilantro. Drain and rinse beans if using canned. Whisk together your dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake together in a lidded mason jar.
  5. Snag your now-fluffy quinoa from the pot and give it a little fluff with a fork. Pop in the fridge or freezer for a little bit to cool quinoa off a little. Skip if you prefer a warm salad.
  6. Add dressing to quinoa and mix well.
  7. Toss together with beans, vegetables, and cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste, as desired.
  8. Feel free to add any additional seasoning, veggies, lime juice, or cilantro to taste. You can also add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, avocado, and/or corn. If you're adding a bunch of extras, additional dressing can be made as needed.

Notes

  • Adjust the chili lime dressing acidity by adding more lime juice or substituting some vinegar for additional lime juice to suit your preference.
  • Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and optionally toast it for nuttier flavor and better texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 289kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 85mg (4%) Potassium 458mg (10%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 1359IU (27%) Vitamin C 55mg (61%) Calcium 40mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 289

% Daily Value*

Calories 289kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 85mg 4%
Potassium 458mg 10%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1359IU 27%
Vitamin C 55mg 61%
Calcium 40mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.