READY IN 30 mins

Zesty Quinoa Salad

Read Reviews (65)

"This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!" — scrumdiddly

Directions

Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 20 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 30 mins

Footnotes

Cook's Note:
This salad tastes great right away, and even better the next day when all the flavors have had the chance to marry. Enjoy!
You can also steam the quinoa instead of boiling if desired.

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Oct 18, 2012

Wow! This was outstanding! I only used one tsp. of cumin, but followed the rest faithfully. I also served it warm because I tried it on a fall evening. Can't wait to taste it cold. Very very tasty!!

—jenny

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Nov 10, 2012

I was a little disappointed based on the other reviews here. I thought this was way too salty, and the citrus from the limes was overpowering. If I make it again, I'd likely cut the salt and citrus in half. Also, I'm not sure the 1/4 cup of oil was worth the added calories. I may cut that by 1/2 as well.

—dandan14

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86 Ratings

Oct 12, 2012

This is my absolute favorite quinoa recipe! I have been looking for one my whole family would eat and not only did they like this...they asked for seconds!

—Lisawas

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Nov 05, 2012

This recipe is amazing! Better than any other quinoa dish I have tried. I highly recommend everyone try this one!

—bcuillerier

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Oct 24, 2012

OMG! I have never cooked Quinoa before and this was the first recipe I have tried. I followed the recipe and would not change a thing. We loved it!!!

—SK

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Oct 08, 2012

I am a mother of four and an avid runner. Eating healthy is high on our priority list. This recipe is great. I substituted steamed edamame for black beans, added a little extra lime and honey to vinaigrette and the family loved it. I can't wait to serve it again!

—Donnelly

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Sep 21, 2012

This was great for lunch!

—MOTTSBELA

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Apr 20, 2013

Outstanding combination of flavors. I haven't been a Quinoa fan until this salad. I concluded I prefer Quinoa cooked a little on the al-dente side so I cooked it for 10 minutes and then strained (to remove the excess liquid) and cooled it in a mesh colander. Used a combination of red and white Quinoa, sundried tomatoes to taste instead of fresh and reduced the salt to 1/2 teaspoon. Perfect! Delicious fresh made and delicious after it's been chilled. This salad is "company" worthy and one I know I'll be enjoying often on its own or as a side when grilling. Thanks scrumdiddly for sharing.

—Linda (LMT)

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Nutrition

Calories
270 kcal
13%

Carbohydrates
33.8 g
11%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
11.5 g
18%

Fiber
8.4 g
34%

Protein
8.9 g
18%

Sodium
739 mg
30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Zesty Quinoa Salad

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 270
Calories from Fat: 104

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11.5g 18 %
Saturated Fat 1.4g 7 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 739mg 30 %
** Potassium 403mg 11 %
Total Carbohydrates 33.8g 11 %
Dietary Fiber 8.4g 34 %
Protein 8.9g 18 %
** Sugars 1.7g
** Vitamin A 15 %
** Vitamin C 24 %
** Calcium 6 %
** Iron 22 %
** Thiamin 14 %
** Niacin 14 %
** Vitamin B6 6 %
** Magnesium 13 %
** Folate 34 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.