Refreshing and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad that's easily adaptable to what you have in your kitchen
In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, I made a little quinoa salad.
It's one of those recipes that really doesn't have to be strictly followed. Sorta like pretty much all my recipes
And it's good to keep in your fridge when you need an easy & filling lunch full of protein & veggies.
It would be good served over a bed of lettuce if you wanted, but I just served mine in a bowl.
Last year, I made Salad in a Jar for portable lunches.
You could totally do that with this recipe. Just use the recipe for the "dressing" in the Mexican Quinoa Salad as opposed to the one in the original recipe.
Then follow the directions depending on what you have and what you want to use in your Mexican Quinoa Salad in a Jar. (If you use cilantro, be sure to put it with the lettuce, far away from the dressing, so it doesn't wilt)
Since I don't need a portable lunch, working from home & all... I just ate mine straight from the serving bowl & put the leftovers back in the fridge. I'm special like that.
This refreshing salad is perfect for the upcoming hot months and is typically a staple in my fridge at home.
I wish I had some bell peppers or I would have added those, too.
I'll be posting some more Mexican-inspired recipes for you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend.
And if you need a Mint Julep recipe for the Kentucky Derby, look no further because this is the perfect Mint Julep!
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ยฝ teaspoon chili powder I used ยผ teaspoon chipotle chili powder & ยผ teaspoon regular chili powder for spicier
- ยผ teaspoon cumin
- ยผ teaspoon paprika
- โ teaspoon garlic powder
- โ teaspoon onion powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the salad:
- 4 cups cooked quinoa see notes for how to cook
- 15 ounce can black beans well-rinsed & drained
- 6 tablespoon chopped cilantro divided
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved {or 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped}
- 1 cup cooked chicken optional
- 1 avocado diced
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing. Toss with cooked quinoa. Stir in black beans, ยผ cup cilantro, and tomatoes. Add in chicken, if using. Gently stir fold in avocado and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoon cilantro.
- Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator {in a glass or plastic container} for up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Meme
Want some more Cinco de Mayo recipes? Try these!
Jalapeño Margaritas
Grapefruit Margaritas
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork
Tacos
Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole
Beef Carnitas
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating
This looks like a wonderful lunch! So fresh!