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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Mexican Quinoa Salad

    Published: May 1, 2013 · Updated: Nov 20, 2023 · Post may contain affiliate links

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    Refreshing and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad that's easily adaptable to what you have in your kitchen

    Refreshing and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad from @memeinge 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.

    Mexican Quinoa Salad from Living Well Kitchen

    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.

    Refreshing and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad from @memeinge that's easily adaptable to what you have in your kitchen

    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

    Refreshing and healthy Mexican Quinoa Salad that's easily adaptable to what you have in your kitchen
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    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Meme

    Ingredients

    For the dressing:

    • 1 lime juiced
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder I used ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder & ¼ teaspoon regular chili powder for spicier
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
    • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ 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, ¼ 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

    *To cook quinoa: Bring 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Partially cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has absorbed. This makes about 4 cups. You can do this up to 3 days ahead.
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    Mexican Quinoa Salad
    Serving Size
     
    1 cup
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    358
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    13
    g
    20
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    17
    mg
    6
    %
    Potassium
     
    825
    mg
    24
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    45
    g
    15
    %
    Fiber
     
    11
    g
    46
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    16
    g
    32
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    595
    IU
    12
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    26.5
    mg
    32
    %
    Calcium
     
    65
    mg
    7
    %
    Iron
     
    4.4
    mg
    24
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    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

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    Comments

    1. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating

      July 22, 2014 at 12:35 pm

      This looks like a wonderful lunch! So fresh!

      Reply

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    Meme holding Watson at a restaurant in san diego.

    Hi, I'm Meme!

    A thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist here to help you enjoy food, make eating easier, and live free of diets & shame.

    About Meme

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