Fiesta in a Bowl Packable Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Salad With Black Beans that's a bit different? Have you ever wanted to Pack Southwestern Quinoa Salad for lunch but dreaded the usual boring choices? This Southwest Quinoa recipe is your answer.

It's got a zingy, fresh flavour that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Brief Overview

This vibrant Mexican Quinoa Salad takes inspiration from the American Southwest. It's super easy to make (honestly, a kid could do it!) and only takes around 35 minutes.

This Recipe Quinoa yields 4-6 servings, perfect for a family lunch or a Quinoa salad for picnic .

Main Benefits

This Healthy quinoa salad recipe is packed with protein and fibre, so it will keep you going all afternoon. It's ideal for a summer barbecue or a Quinoa salad for potluck .

What makes this Mexican Quinoa special? It’s totally customisable and can be prepped ahead.

Let’s talk Ingredients

To get started you'll need quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic.

Remember, always rinse your quinoa well! Otherwise, you might get a slightly bitter taste which we don't want.

step-by-step and Variations

Just like the name says, a Southwestern quinoa salad make-ahead that combines some veggies, grains, and spices for a fantastic flavor.

You'll be shocked how easy it is to create a Packable lunch salad that is also enjoyable.

Final Tips

You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also swap out the black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if that's what you have handy.

Remember, add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning. That's all! Now go get the ingredients to create a Southwest Quinoa

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to whip up this banging Fiesta in a Bowl : Pack Southwestern Quinoa Salad for your next outing! Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have kicking about.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the lowdown on what goes into our vibrant Mexican Quinoa Salad . We’re aiming for fresh and tasty, so quality matters where it counts!

• Quinoa: You'll need 1 cup (185g) . Make sure you rinse it like your life depends on it! No one wants bitter Southwest Quinoa .
• Broth: Grab 2 cups (475ml) of vegetable broth (or water if you're skint).
• Black Beans: One 15-ounce (425g) can of black beans, rinsed until the water runs clear. A key element in Salad With Black Beans
• Corn: 1 cup (150g) of frozen corn, thawed. Fresh corn from 2 ears is amazing if you have it!
• Red Bell Pepper: One, diced. Go for one that's firm and shiny.
• Red Onion: Half a red onion, finely diced.
• Jalapeño: One, seeded and minced (optional). If you’re a wimp, leave it out.
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped.
• Avocado: One, diced (optional, add just before serving). Only if you're feeling posh.

Seasoning Notes

Let’s talk flavour, baby! This Recipe Quinoa is all about that Southwestern zing.

• The Essentials: Chili powder and cumin are your best mates here. They give that warm, earthy kick.
• Flavour Enhancers: Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. It brightens everything up. A little minced garlic in the dressing? Bangin’!
• Quick Swaps: No lime? Lemon juice will do in a pinch. Cilantro haters can use parsley (but honestly, why?).

Equipment Needed

Right, you won’t need much kit to make this Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe . Keep it simple, eh?

• Saucepan with lid: For cooking the quinoa. A normal one will do.
• Large mixing bowl: To chuck everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Get it accurate.
• Cutting board and knife: Obviously.
• Whisk or fork: For the dressing.

Honestly, the best bit about making this Mexican Quinoa is that it's so ruddy simple. Perfect for a quinoa salad for picnic or a quinoa salad for potluck !

Prep Steps

Alright, before we get down to it, let's get our ducks in a row. It's all about that mise en place , you know? Having everything prepped makes life a gazillion times easier.

First up, rinsing that quinoa. Trust me, don't skip this! Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin. If you don't wash it off, it tastes kinda bitter.

Nobody wants bitter. Rinse it until the water runs clear. Honestly, I sometimes forget and regret it every time.

For time saving, chop all your veggies before you even start cooking the quinoa. Bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño if you're feeling brave. I even chop the cilantro now too. Sorted.

Now, this isn't a high risk operation, but remember, knives are sharp! And watch out if you're handling the jalapeño, whatever you do don't touch your eyes afterwards!

step-by-step Process

Time to get cooking!

1. Cook the Quinoa : Combine 1 cup (185g) rinsed quinoa, 2 cups (475ml) vegetable broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes . All the liquid should be absorbed. Fluff with a fork. I swear my nan makes it the same way.
3. While the quinoa's doing its thing, prepare the salad. Rinse and drain 1 (15-ounce/425g) can of black beans. If using frozen corn, thaw 1 cup (150g). Chop the bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Easy peasy.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 clove minced garlic. This dressing is the dogs!
5. Combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a large bowl.
6. Pour the dressing over the Southwest Quinoa mixture and toss well. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes . This step is optional, but it really lets the flavours meld together beautifully. This Southwestern quinoa salad make-ahead is going to taste best chilled.
8. Just before serving, gently fold in a diced avocado if using.

Pro Tips

Right then, listen up! Wanna take your Mexican Quinoa Salad to the next level?

First, don't overcook the quinoa! . Mushy quinoa is a crime. If it still seems a little wet after 15 minutes, just drain the excess liquid.

Quinoa salad for picnic is the goal, don't forget!

Next, taste your dressing. If you like a bit more zing, add more lime juice. Fancy some extra heat? Chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust!

Finally, this Healthy quinoa salad recipe is perfect for making ahead. Pack Southwestern Quinoa Salad for lunch during the week or a potluck.

It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the avocado right before serving so it doesn't go brown.

And there you have it! You're now officially a Mexican Quinoa Salad pro. Go forth and impress your mates!

Alright, let’s dive into some extra bits and bobs to make this Fiesta in a Bowl: Pack Southwestern Quinoa Salad for your next outing absolutely smashing .

Recipe Notes & Nifty Tips

This Healthy Quinoa Salad Recipe is pretty darn flexible. Honestly, once you've made it a couple of times, you can totally freestyle it.

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

Presentation is key, right? Think bright colours! When I Pack Southwestern Quinoa Salad for lunch, I love layering it in a mason jar.

Looks dead fancy and stops it from getting squished in your bag. Garnish with extra cilantro, or even a lime wedge.

Complementary sides? Tortilla chips are a must. A dollop of guac takes it to the next level. For drinks, a sparkling limeade is spot on!

Storage Tips: Sorted!

This Mexican Quinoa Salad keeps like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavours have had a chance to mingle. Don't freeze it though the texture of the veggies will go a bit funny.

When reheating (though it’s usually served cold), give it a good stir.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a vegan version, just make sure you use vegetable broth and double check your chili powder is vegan friendly (some have sneaky additives).

If you’re trying to watch your carbs, you could add more leafy greens like spinach or kale to bulk it up.

Swapping out the corn for some roasted butternut squash in the autumn is a game changer. This Southwest Quinoa is so versatile! The Mexican Quinoa is a favorite, too.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Let's talk numbers. Each serving of this Mexican Quinoa Salad comes in at around 320 calories , packing a decent 12g of protein and 10g of fiber .

That's going to keep you full and happy for hours! Plus, you are getting loads of vitamins and minerals from all those lovely veggies.

If you need a Quinoa Salad for Picnic , this ticks all the boxes. You'll definitely want to add this Quinoa salad for potluck to your recipe list!

So, there you have it! A Packable lunch salad that’s healthy, delicious, and super easy to make. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking! And remember this Southwestern quinoa salad make-ahead , is what you are looking for when search for Salad With Black Beans or Recipe Quinoa