Mexican Quinoa Salad

Introduction

This flavor-packed Mexican quinoa salad is a fiesta on a plate! Bursting with fresh, colorful veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a tangy lime dressing, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal or side dish. Quinoa's nutty taste and fluffy texture pairs perfectly with crispy sweet corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado and spicy peppers. Topped with crunchy pepitas and fragrant cilantro, this salad truly captures the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. ¡Olé!

Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa offers great nutritional value:

• High in plant based protein
• Packed with fiber
• Rich in nutrients like iron, magnesium, B-vitamins
• Cholesterol free and low glycemic index
• Gluten free

Benefits of Veggies

The fresh veggies provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like:

• Vitamin C - peppers, tomatoes
• Vitamin K - spinach, avocado
• Fiber - corn, black beans
• Potassium - avocado, tomatoes
• Lycopene and beta-carotene - tomatoes

Ingredients

For the Quinoa

• Quinoa
• Water or broth
• Salt

For the Vegetables

• Corn
• Black beans
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Jalapeño
• Cilantro
• Avocado
• Lime juice

For the Toppings

• Pepitas
• Queso fresco
• Cotija cheese

Recipe Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

Combine quinoa, water/broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

Roast the Corn

Toss corn with oil, cumin, salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes until browned.

Prep the Produce

Dice onion, jalapeño, tomatoes, cilantro. Drain and rinse black beans. Slice avocado.

Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder and salt.

Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, corn, black beans, onions, jalapeño, tomato, cilantro and dressing. Season with salt and pepper.

Top and Serve

Top salad with avocado slices, pepitas and cotija or queso fresco. Squeeze over lime juice if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can be enjoyed:

• As a main course for lunch or dinner
• As a side dish next to grilled meats
• Stuffed into peppers, tomatoes or lettuce wraps
• Topped with grilled chicken or shrimp
• As a base for a taco salad

Pairings

Delicious items to serve with the salad include:

• Chips and guacamole
• Quesadillas or tacos
• Mexican rice
• Refried or charro beans
• Salsa and tortilla chips
• Margarita or citrus-infused water

Customization Options

Tailor this salad to your taste by:

• Adding spicy pulled chicken, beef or pork
• Using different cheeses like feta, Monterey jack
• Mixing in roasted veggies like zucchini, peppers
• Topping with Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Swapping in other grains like brown rice, farro
• Garnishing with cilantro, scallions, radish

Dressing Variations

• Cilantro-lime dressing
• Creamy cilantro dressing
• Chimichurri vinaigrette
• Taco seasoning ranch dressing

Storage and Serving Tips

Storage

• Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Keep quinoa and dressing separate
• Layer ingredients to avoid sogginess
• Refrigerate all components promptly

Serving

• Allow salad to come to room temperature before serving
• Give ingredients a gentle toss to combine
• Add avocado, pepitas, cheese just before eating
• Serve salad on plates or in build-your-own taco shells

Common Questions

Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes, cook quinoa and prep produce ahead of time. Store components separately and assemble just before eating.

What's the best way to cook quinoa?

Combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for around 15 minutes.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit any meat and use vegetable broth to make it completely plant-based.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Properly stored, the salad keeps 3-5 days refrigerated. Dressing lasts 5-7 days.

Can I freeze any components?

The quinoa and dressing can be frozen but vegetables do not freeze well.

Conclusion

With its lively blend of textures, colors and flavors, this Mexican quinoa salad is a fiesta-on-a-plate. Nutty quinoa, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies come together in a tangy, spicy dressing for a healthy and vibrant dish. Customize with your favorite toppings and pairings to make an easy yet festive light meal or side. A forkful of this sunny salad offers a tasty escape to Mexico!