Go Back
To make the Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, you will need these ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 2 limes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste When picking fresh produce, select vibrant and firm items. Look for tomatoes that are bright and smooth. Choose bell peppers with shiny skin and no soft spots. Fresh cilantro should smell strong and look bright green. If you have dietary restrictions, this salad can easily fit your needs. It is naturally gluten-free and vegan. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or tofu. You can replace quinoa with brown rice or millet for different flavors. Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove bitterness. Next, place the quinoa in a medium pot with two cups of vegetable broth. The broth adds great flavor to the quinoa. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. When done, the quinoa will be fluffy, and the broth will be absorbed. Remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork. Set it aside to cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the veggies. Use one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one can of rinsed and drained black beans, and one diced bell pepper. Add one finely chopped red onion and one cup of corn. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro; you need half a cup, chopped. For easy chopping, use a sharp knife. Cut the veggies into small pieces for a nice mix. This helps each bite have all the flavors. For the lime vinaigrette, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the juice of two limes, two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until it's well combined. Taste it! If you want it tangier, add more lime juice. If it needs more flavor, add salt. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the veggie mix. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and gently toss everything until well coated. To boost flavor, try adding spices like chili powder or smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. When taste testing, always start with small amounts of salt and lime juice. You can add more later if needed. Mix well and taste between each addition to find the right balance. To prevent mushy quinoa, rinse it well before cooking. Rinsing removes bitter saponins. Always use the right water-to-quinoa ratio. For fluffy quinoa, use two cups of broth for one cup of quinoa. After cooking, let it cool for at least 5 minutes. This step keeps the grains separate and light. Serve this salad with fresh avocado slices for creaminess. You can also add crumbled feta cheese for a salty bite. To serve, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks. {{image_2}} You can change your salad with seasonal vegetables. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. Summer is perfect for diced cucumbers or zucchini. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Winter brings hearty greens like kale or spinach. Fruits add a sweet touch. Consider adding diced mango or orange segments for a tropical twist. Apples or pears can also work well in the fall. Berries like strawberries or blueberries can brighten the dish in summer. If you want more protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. These options make the salad even heartier. For a plant-based choice, add tofu or tempeh. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds. To make it a complete meal, serve the salad with a side of whole grain bread or wrap. This will help you feel full and satisfied. You can switch up the lime vinaigrette for different flavors. Try a balsamic or red wine vinegar dressing for a tangy taste. A creamy avocado dressing is another great alternative. It adds richness and goes well with the salad ingredients. Other dressings that work well include tahini or yogurt-based dressings. Each will bring a new twist and pair nicely with the flavors in your salad. To keep your Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps seal in flavors and maintains texture. Place the container in the fridge right after serving. If you want to refresh the salad, add a splash of lime juice or a drizzle of olive oil. This brightens the flavors and helps revive the salad. Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off-smells, slimy textures, or changes in color. If you notice any of these, it's best to toss the salad. You can prepare this salad in advance for quick meals. Cook the quinoa and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately until you're ready to mix. For easy lunches, pack the salad in mason jars. Layer the ingredients with the dressing at the bottom to keep it fresh. Just shake and enjoy when you're ready to eat. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It tastes even better after chilling. You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. The flavors will blend nicely, making it a great meal prep option. If you want to avoid quinoa, try using rice or couscous. Both options will give you a similar texture. You can also use farro or barley for a hearty feel. Each substitute adds its own flavor and texture to the salad. Yes, this salad is gluten-free! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. The other ingredients, like beans and veggies, are also gluten-free. Always check labels if you use canned goods to be safe. To add heat, try mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the lime vinaigrette for extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Experiment and enjoy the zing! The Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is fresh, tasty, and easy to make. You learned the best ingredient choices, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. I shared ways to enhance texture and variations for every season. Remember, this salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes great chilled or at room temperature. If you follow these steps, you will enjoy a delightful dish. Enjoy making this salad and share it with friends and family!

Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Discover the refreshing Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad that’s perfect for any meal! Made with fluffy quinoa, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is both delicious and nutritious. Ideal for meal prep or as a side dish at gatherings, it's quick to whip up and packed with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today! Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the broth is absorbed.

    Remove quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool to room temperature.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, corn, and chopped cilantro.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

          Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the large bowl with the vegetable mix. Pour the lime vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add more lime juice or salt based on preference.

              Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the quinoa salad in a large bowl garnished with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a fresh, vibrant look.