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    Home » Vegan Salads

    Southwestern Quinoa Salad

    Published: June 1, 2020 | 6:00 am, Modified: Aug 17, 2022 by Connie Edwards McGaughy This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

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

    Zesty Vegan Quinoa Salad

    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 un-tuna salad, vegan egg salad, couscous salad, coleslaw salad, chopped salad, bean salad . . . I love salad.

    While the word 'salad' is basically an umbrella term for any melange of ingredients tossed together with a dressing and served as a singular dish, some salads stand out amongst the rest. This is one of those.

    This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from purchases at no additional cost to you.

    easy vegan quinoa salad

    A super easy super salad!

    This is a super salad that is super easy to make. It's delish & nutrish! 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. I knew this zesty vegan quinoa salad was a winner when the dish I prepared was devoured within minutes by the guests.

    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?

    raw quinoa

    Quinoa is an ancient grain common to South America and is considered one of the world's most popular health foods. It's gluten-free, high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins and a host of other vital nutrients and antioxidants.

    Why is quinoa a superfood?

    According to Healthline.com, this is the nutrient content in 1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa:

    • Protein: 8 grams.
    • Fiber: 5 grams.
    • Manganese: 58% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
    • Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
    • Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
    • Folate: 19% of the RDA.
    • Copper: 18% of the RDA.
    • Iron: 15% of the RDA.
    • Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
    • Potassium 9% of the RDA.
    • Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
    • Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E.

    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 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!

    How to make this Southwestern Quinoa Salad

    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

    Ingredients

    • 1 C quinoa prepared according to package directions
    • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin (omit to make it oil-free)
    • 2 limes juiced
    • 1 tsp cumin ground
    • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
    • 1 C cherry tomatoes halved
    • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed - 15 oz can - you can also use pinto, kidney beans or others of your choice
    • 3 whole green onions finely chopped - or red onion
    • ¼ C cilantro finely chopped
    • ⅛ tsp black pepper freshly ground
    • ⅓ C corn kernels sweet or roasted
    • ¼ C black olives sliced - optional
    • ½ avocado diced - optional

    Instructions

    • Prepare quinoa according to package directions. 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!
    easy veagn quinoa salad ingredients

    🥕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! Watch the video here

    easy vegan quinoa salad with corn and olives

    If you enjoyed this zesty Southwestern quinoa salad recipe you might like to try these super salads!

    • Vegan Jackfruit Un-Tuna Salad
    • Israeli Couscous Salad
    • Watermelon Cucumber Salad
    • Easy Vegan Eggless Salad
    • Mom's Vegan Macaroni Salad

    very vegan 🌱 very good

    If you’ve enjoyed this recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ please rate it in the comments below.

    Thanks a bunch!🥕

    Zesty Vegan Quinoa Salad

    Southwestern Quinoa Salad

    Connie🥕
    Zesty Vegan Quinoa Salad 🌱 Super food. Super good. This vibrant Southwestern-inspired salad is full of bright, fantastic flavor, protein & fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. You’ll love this easy and healthy vegan recipe. It’s gluten-free and can be prepared oil-free.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, outdoor dining, potluck, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Plant Based, Vegan
    Servings 8
    Calories 192 kcal

    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

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 C quinoa prepared according to package directions
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin (omit to make it oil-free)
    • 2 limes juiced
    • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
    • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 C cherry tomatoes halved
    • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed - 15 oz can - you can also use pinto, kidney beans or others of your choice
    • 3 whole green onions finely chopped - or red onion
    • ¼ C cilantro finely chopped
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
    • ⅓ C corn kernels sweet or roasted
    • ¼ C black olives sliced - optional
    • ½ avocado diced - optional

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare quinoa according to package directions. 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.

    Video

    Notes

    🥕 If you prefer not to use oil, simply omit it from your dressing. 
    🥕Feel free to use ingredients you have on hand. Don't have roasted corn? Use whatever corn you might have in the freezer or pantry - or not. No black beans? No problem. Pintos, kidney beans, even chickpeas are great options. Red onions could be used instead of green. Have fun with this salad. Make it your own!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 377mgPotassium: 363mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 205IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Vegan Salads

    • 10 Favorite Vegan Recipes with Cranberries
    • Favorite Vegan Summer Salads
    • 30 Favorite Vegan Recipes for Mother's Day
    • Favorite Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Connie Edwards McGaughy

      January 06, 2021 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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