Fresh and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad with cumin lime dressing! Nutrient packed and great for take-along lunches. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free)
I’m always down to party with fresh, fiesta flavors, and this healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad is no exception. This was actually one of the early recipes I posted on the site, but the photos left a bit to be desired so here it is again in updated form! I always love the variety of fiesta flavors and abundant color in this dish. (Plus quinoa is such an awesome, nutrient-packed ingredient!)
This dish is an awesome make-ahead meal for lunches, picnics, get-togethers, or my favorite: simply having in the fridge to pull out for quick snacks throughout the day. I love how the flavors get even better as it chills. Serve it topped with some creamy avocado for the perfect finishing touch!
PS – come join The Garden Grazer on Instagram and share a photo if you make this! (Also please leave a review & star rating below if you give it a try. Your feedback is greatly appreciated – thank you!)
Mexican Quinoa Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa (uncooked)
- 15 oz. can black beans
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen, thawed)
- 4 green onions
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- Optional: avocado for serving
For the cumin-lime dressing
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Juice from 1 lime (more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Optional: olive oil, lime zest
Instructions
- Rinse and cook quinoa according to package directions. (Feel free to use broth instead of water for more flavor.)
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add dressing ingredients and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Rinse and drain beans. Dice the bell pepper, slice the green onions, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and chop cilantro.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked quinoa with all other salad ingredients.
- Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill first for flavors to blend.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (estimate)
Enjoying this Mexican Quinoa Salad? Feel free to also check out these Easy Vegan Avocado Quesadillas, Cilantro Lime Rice, or Mexican Sweet Potato Bowl!
Can I say that this is just mind blowing! What an amazing medley of colors there.. eating healthy is really easy
Thank you!
I have made this salad several times – absolutely delicious every time. I have people asking for the recipe.
So great to hear!
I loved it!!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
I made this and added a jalapeno pepper, it was really tasty! Next time I would juice 2 limes instead of one for the dressing for some extra citrus flavor.
So great! Thank you for sharing!
How do I tell serving size for the posted calorie count and other nutritional information? Great recipe!!
Hi Pam! I estimated this recipe to yield about 6 medium bowls (so the posted nutritional content would be per bowl.) Feel free to adjust the counts as necessary for bigger/smaller bowls 🙂 Hope that helps – have a beautiful week!