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Quinoa Southwest Salad

Zesty Quinoa Southwest Salad That Packs a Protein Punch

This Quinoa Southwest Salad is gluten-free, vegetarian, and protein-packed, making it a perfect option for healthy meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinse before cooking
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be substituted
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Fire-Roasted Corn Fresh corn can be used if available
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halve before adding
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced
  • 0.25 cup Cilantro Finely chopped; omit if not a fan
  • 0.25 cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt Cashew yogurt for vegan option
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise Avocado oil mayo for healthier option
  • 3 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Adobo Sauce
  • 1 medium Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup Omit for strict vegan diets
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder For dressing

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with vegetable broth, adobo sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, fire-roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and pumpkin seeds. Toss gently until evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well-coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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