Fiesta Quinoa Salad Recipe

This Fiesta Quinoa Salad is a flavor explosion in every bite! It's a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or barbecue because it's refreshing, easy to make, and universally crowd-pleasing. Quinoa is a complete protein, making this salad a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it's loaded with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
This salad is a great way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet. Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The black beans add another layer of protein and fiber, while the corn and red bell pepper provide sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The avocado offers healthy fats and a creamy texture, and the lime dressing brings everything together with a burst of zesty flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced (optional)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked through and fluffy. Remove from heat and let fluff for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion (if using), and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Gently fold in the diced avocado. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.