Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Southwestern Quinoa Salad is a side dish made of quinoa grains, black beans, corn, bell peppers and lime dressing. Bursting with southwestern flavors, it’s delicious as it’s nutritious.

I have to admit, this is the very first time I’ve ever tried quinoa. Before today, I didn’t even know how to pronounce the darn seed. I went to our nearby Sprouts Market looking for kwuh-NO-ah and I was greeted by blank stares. “Oh, you mean KEEN-wah?”, answered an employee after I repeated myself for the fifth time and lead me to the appropriate aisle.

You see, I saw my doctor a few weeks ago regarding persistent discomfort and swelling in my knees. Fortunately, he said my complaints were from nothing major. Unfortunately, he said they were from the weight I gained this past year. I am built like your everyday Asian and I suppose my frame is not accustomed to the extra pounds it’s carrying now.

Like a typical Asian, rice is a quintessential part of my daily meals. But as I have been placed by my doctor on a semi-diet, I had to look into the superfood quinoa as a possible replacement. Quinoa is touted as a protein-rich grain as well as a good source of potassium, iron, Vitamin E, lysine and fiber.

Along with its nutritional benefits, I also found quinoa to cook just as easy as rice. And with the plethora of quinoa recipes I discovered online, it appears to be pretty versatile as well.

If there is a better introduction to quinoa, it is this southwestern quinoa salad! I enjoyed it so much I don’t think I’ll pine for rice for too long. The red bell peppers, black beans, and corn complement the nutty quinoa while the lime dressing wraps it all up with enough tang and spice. Give this side dish of healthy goodness a try and let me know what you think.

5 from 3 votes

Print

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

35 mins

 

Southwestern Quinoa Salad is a side dish made of quinoa grains, black beans, corn, bell peppers and lime dressing. Bursting with southwestern flavors, it's delicious as it's nutritious.

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 613 kcal

Author: Onion Rings and Things

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 limes, juiced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
• 8.75 ounces kernel corn, drained
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded, cored and diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/2 red onion, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Using a fine mesh sieve, rinse quinoa under cold running water until water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a pot over medium heat, combine quinoa, water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes. Using a fork, fluff grains to separate. Allow to cool.
3. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until blended.
4. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, jalapeno pepper and onions. Add lime dressing and gently toss to combine. Refrigerate for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.

First Published September 22, 2014.