Zesty Quinoa Salad

4.8
(1,517)

This quinoa salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. This salad tastes great right away and even better the next day when all the flavors have had the chance to marry.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 limes, juiced

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste

  • 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 5 green onions, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    overhead of cooked quinoa in pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl.

    overhead of quinoa salad dressing with whisk in bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper.

    overhead of quinoa salad in bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

    mid angle, looking at a heaping bowl of quinoa salad with tomatoes, olives and fresh herbs

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

270 Calories
12g Fat
34g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 270
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Sodium 675mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 8g 30%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 15mg 73%
Calcium 51mg 4%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 403mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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