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Quick Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad for Easy Meal Prep

Close-up of a vibrant cilantro lime quinoa salad with black beans and diced orange/red peppers in a white bowl.
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This is a simple, refreshing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad recipe perfect for quick lunches or a healthy side dish. It comes together fast, making it ideal for your weekly meal preparation routine.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, dice the red bell pepper and chop the red onion and cilantro. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined. This creates your zesty lime dressing.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the slightly cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss everything gently until the salad is evenly coated.
  6. Chill or serve: You can serve this healthy quinoa salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is great for make ahead salad preparation.

Notes

  • For a Mexican Quinoa Salad variation, add one diced avocado just before serving.
  • If you want a protein packed quinoa boost, add 1 cup of cooked white beans instead of black beans.
  • This recipe works well as a vibrant quinoa bowl base for lunch ideas throughout the week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/cilantro-lime-quinoa-salad-recipe/