🎉 Mexican Quinoa Salad: A Fiesta in Every Bite! 🎉
Protein-packed quinoa meets creamy avocado, black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty lime dressing—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a vibrant side dish!
🌮 Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
-
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
-
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)
-
1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange for color)
-
1 avocado, diced
-
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
-
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-
1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional, for heat)
For the Lime Dressing:
-
3 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp honey or agave
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
½ tsp chili powder
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
-
Crumbled cotija cheese or feta
-
Tortilla chips for crunch
-
Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
🥗 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Quinoa:
-
Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions (usually 1 cup quinoa + 2 cups water). Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2️⃣ Mix the Salad:
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
-
Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Combine & Chill:
-
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
-
Refrigerate 30+ minutes to let flavors meld (optional but recommended).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
-
Top with avocado slices, cheese, or crushed chips just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days (add avocado fresh each day).
✅ Vegan/GF: Naturally both! Swap honey for agave if needed.
✅ Extra Flavor: Char the corn in a skillet or grill the bell pepper first.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
✨ High-protein from quinoa and black beans.
✨ Bright, tangy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
✨ No sad desk lunches—this salad tastes even better the next day!
Pair with grilled meats or stuff into lettuce wraps for a light meal. 🌮
Want to turn it into a burrito bowl or add mango for sweetness? Let me know! 😊