Southwestern Quinoa Salad 🌱 Super good super food. This zesty, vibrant and colorful salad is full of bright, fantastic flavor, plant-based protein, and fresh ingredients. You'll love this easy & delicious vegan recipe. Oil-free option & gluten-free.

A bowl of Southwestern quinoa salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green onions on a bamboo cutting board.

This is a super salad that is super easy to make. Packed with protein & flavor - the nutty goodness of quinoa, wholesome black beans, sweet roasted corn, olives, fresh cilantro & ripe tomatoes, tossed with a spicy citrus dressing. The first time I prepared this dish, I took it to a potluck party. I knew this zesty vegan quinoa salad was a winner when it was devoured within minutes by guests.

If you were to ask me about my favorite dish, I would simply say salad. I love salad. Fresh green salad, fruit salad, pasta salad, vegan potato salad, macaroni salad, jackfruit tuna salad, vegan egg salad, couscous salad, coleslaw salad, chopped salad, bean salad, and of course, this delicious southwestern quinoa salad.

Bowls of Southwestern quinoa salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green onions on a bamboo cutting board.

Table of Contents

What is quinoa?
Ingredient notes
Instructions
Equipment
FAQ's
Recipe
Comments

I've prepared this refreshingly satisfying salad many times since, and every time it gets rave reviews. One of the things I love about this recipe is the versatility in the ingredients. Sometimes I use pinto beans instead of black beans. Sometimes I use a variety of beans. I've prepared it with corn, without corn, with cilantro, without. Don't be afraid of adding something new or substituting an ingredient you might not have on hand.

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is an ancient grain common to the Andean region of South America, specifically the countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Quinoa is considered one of the world's most popular healthy foods. According to this article from Cleveland Clinic, "Quinoa is a nutrient-dense food, meaning ounce for ounce, you get high amounts of vitamins and minerals."

How to cook with quinoa

Quinoa is not only full of nutritious goodness, it's also super easy to prepare. The grain itself is very delicate in taste. It has a wonderful nutty taste and texture that easily absorbs the flavors of the ingredients and seasonings you cook it with. Much like rice or couscous or other similar foods, quinoa first needs to be boiled or steeped in hot water or broth. From there, you can create the most delicious dishes - salads, patties, casseroles, soups, loaves, stuffings - imagine the possibilities!

Ingredient notes

Ingredients for preparing a Southwestern quinoa salad including quinoa, tomatos, corn, olives, black beans, green onion, limes, olive oil, and red peppers.

🥕 See the printable recipe card below for quantities & details

quinoa - dried, uncooked

olive oil - extra virgin (omit to make it oil-free)

lime - fresh or bottled

cumin - ground

sea salt - or table salt

red pepper flakes - or chili powder

cherry tomatoes - or diced tomatoes

black beans - you can also use pinto, kidney beans or others of your choice

green onions - or red onion

cilantro - optional

black pepper - freshly ground preferred

corn kernels - sweet or roasted

black olives - optional

avocado - optional

🥕 Note: To prepare this recipe oil-free, simply combine dressing ingredients without the added oil.

Instructions

Ingredients for preparing a Southwestern quinoa salad including quinoa, tomatoes, corn, olives, black beans, green onion, limes, olive oil, and red peppers.

First, prepare the quinoa according to package directions (see FAQ's below for more cooking info). Once ready, remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a small bowl or salad dressing shaker, mix together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a large spoon, gently combine quinoa, beans, onions, corn, olives, tomatoes and cilantro.
Pour dressing over salad and stir to thoroughly combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, garnish with avocado (optional) & any leftover cilantro. Enjoy!

Two bowls filled with Southwestern quinoa salad.

🥕Follow our easy step by step instructions below & have fun creating this amazing salad! Be sure to watch our YouTube video on preparing this delicious dish! See the video here

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Citrus juicer
Kitchen knife
3 qt saucepan with lid
Wire whisk or salad dressing shaker
Large spoon

FAQ's

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free.

Is quinoa suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet?

Yes, quinoa is a good source of plant-based protein, making it a valuable ingredient for vegans and vegetarians.

How do you cook quinoa?

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, then combine it with water or broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.

Is quinoa environmentally sustainable?

Quinoa cultivation can be sustainable when grown using traditional methods, but increased demand has led to concerns about its environmental impact in some regions. Look for sustainably sourced quinoa to support environmentally friendly practices.

If you love salads like I do, here's more delish side dishes you ought to try!

A collage of favorite vegan summer salads including lemon artichoke orzo salad, watermelon cucumber salad, southwestern quinoa salad, old fashioned vegan potato salad, watermelon mango pico de gallo. and four bean fiesta salad.

If you love this recipe ★★★★★ please be sure to rate it below! Sharing your experience lets me know that you enjoyed it and will help other readers decide if they should give the recipe a try too. Thanks a bunch!🥕

Recipe

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Connie Edwards McGaughy says

January 06, 2021 at 10:22 pm

This is the ideal dish to take to any potluck party. Full of flavor, loaded with colorful veggies and gluten-free, this gorgeous, tasty salad will be a winner with everyone.