Spicy Red Quinoa Salad
This Spicy Red Quinoa Salad combines nutty red quinoa with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty chili-lime dressing. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, it's a perfect dish for a light meal or a vibrant side. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 5 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup quinoa
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- 2 lime juiced
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring water and quinoa to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Allow it to cool.
- While the quinoa is cooling, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with diced tomatoes, black beans, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything to combine.
- Add chopped cilantro, then season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the quinoa and dressing ahead of time, then mix in the fresh ingredients right before serving to maintain their crispness.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the black beans in lime juice and spices before mixing them into the salad, or roasting the tomatoes for a deeper taste.