Southwestern Bean and Quinoa Salad
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Recipe Intro From emily.eats.things
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this nutritious and delicious Bean and Quinoa Salad. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, a variety of hearty beans, and fresh vegetables, this salad is a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The tangy lime dressing with a hint of spice elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your summer BBQ, or a meal prep option for the week, this salad has you covered. Plus, it's vegetarian and gluten-free, meaning everyone can enjoy it!
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ingredients
For the salad
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 3 (15 ounce) cans beans of choice (such as black beans, pinto beans, and red beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño (optional), seeded and finely diced
- 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
- 4 ounces crumbled cotija cheese (substitute with feta if cotija is unavailable)
ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Squeeze of honey or agave nectar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Step 1
Thoroughly rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold running water to cool it off.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, black beans, pinto beans, corn, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and cotija cheese.
Step 3
In a small jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey or agave (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
Step 4
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.