This recipe for southwestern quinoa salad is the perfect healthy salad recipe that makes a delicious meal or side dish!
Youโll love this quinoa recipe as an easy clean eating lunch idea for two that is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Itโs also perfect for the Trim Healthy Mama Plan as a THM-E recipe or the Arbonne 30 Days to Healthy Living Challenge.
KEEP READING FOR THE BEST TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE QUINOA SALAD
Jump to:
- How to Make Quinoa
- ๐ฝEquipment for Zesty Quinoa Salad
- ๐ฅIngredients for Quinoa Salad with Black Beans
- ๐ชHow to Make Quinoa Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions about Quinoa Salad Recipes:
- Southwestern Quinoa Salad
- Looking for other easy gluten-free & vegan recipes that you will love (including quinoa recipes?)
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isnโt that interesting, but you can find it here.
How to Make Quinoa
Making quinoa is no more difficult than making rice!
โฆand honestly, I find cooking quinoa on the stovetop easier than rice on the stove top because it doesnโt change so quickly from undercooked to a clumpy sticky mess.
Youโll need a 2:1 ratio of liquid and quinoa. I typically just use water but depending on what Iโm making with the quinoa Iโll sometimes use broth instead.
First, you need to rinse your quinoa under cool running water using a fine mesh strainer.
note: I skip this step because I use Anthonyโs quinoa which is already rinsed (and itโs certified gluten free!)
Then, add it to your saucepan and toast it on the stove for 1-2 minutes.
Once the water starts to evaporate off, add in the liquid and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer (the lowest setting), cover, and cook for around 15 minutes or until the water has all evaporated or cooked into the quinoa.
After simmering, remove from heat and let your quinoa stand (keep the cover on) for 5 minutes.
Your quinoa should be fluffy and perfect! Totally ready to use as a base in your favorite quinoa recipe.
๐ฝEquipment for Zesty Quinoa Salad
To make this recipe, youโll need:
- a small whisk
- a small bowl or jar (for your dressing)
- a mixing bowl and spoon
- cutting board and knife
(and if you donโt have leftover quinoa youโll need a saucepan to cook the quinoa)
Since I used fresh lime for this recipe, I also used a lemon squeezer.
๐ฅIngredients for Quinoa Salad with Black Beans
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are fresh and can be found at your local grocery store, but youโll find great deals on gluten-free ingredients in general (and products like beans, salsa, and seasonings) on Thrive Market.
Elevate your gluten-free lifestyle with the convenience of Thrive Market's grocery delivery โ join now and discover a world of delicious and wholesome options delivered straight to your doorstep!
- cooked quinoa. I make up big batches of quinoa and use it in recipes throughout the workweek. Cooked quinoa will last up to 5 days in the fridge, or can be frozen for longer! My favorite (and the most affordable) quinoa is by Anthony's--it's pre-rinsed and certified gluten free. You can find it on Amazon here.
- a roma tomato. Be sure it's diced and seeded
- diced bell pepper. Any color works!
- black beans. I use canned, drained and rinsed.
- diced red onion. A white or sweet onion works too, but red is so pretty in this colorful dish!
- lime juice. I usually juice a fresh lime using one of these because it only takes a few seconds and tastes SO good!
- salsa. Use your favorite brand & flavors. If you like the flavor of your salsa, you'll like how this recipe is seasoned--check out the best gluten free salsa brands here.
- salt
- fresh cilantro
Ingredient Substitutions
For this recipe, you can sub out any of the vegetables for chopped vegetables of your choice! This recipe would taste great with some fresh cut corn. Check out this guide on how to boil corn.
You could also sub the black beans for pinto beans.
๐ชHow to Make Quinoa Salad
Preparing this quinoa salad is a simple as mixing everything together!
First, be sure all your ingredients are prepped and chopped. Mix together your quinoa, tomato, pepper, black beans and red onion.
Then, prepare the southwestern quinoa salad dressing by combining the lime juice, salsa, salt, and fresh cilantro in a small bowl or jar.
Next, pour the zesty lime cilantro vinaigrette onto your quinoa mixture and youโre good to go!
You can either eat this recipe right away or let the flavors marinate for a bit in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quinoa Salad Recipes:
Is Quinoa Gluten Free?
Yes! Quinoa is actually an edible seed--not a grain, and is totally gluten free!
What do you serve with vegan salad?
This vegan grain salad is a light dish that pairs perfectly with a green salad of a soup such as a homemade vegan "egg drop" soup.
How healthy is quinoa salad?
This easy quinoa salad with black beans is a delicious gluten-free grain salad packed with plant-based protein, veggies, complex carbs, and essential vitamins.
Itโs a very balanced recipe as is.
Is quinoa salad served hot or cold?
Typically it is a cold side dish.
However, this particular recipe would taste great warmed up with extra beans or an additional proteinโalmost like a burrito bowl!
How long will a quinoa salad last in the fridge?
This recipe lasts about 3 days in the fridge, just be sure to give it a quick mix before eating in case the dressing has settled to the bottom.
Can I freeze quinoa salad?
You can definitely freeze this southwest quinoa in an airtight container for about 3 months, but I wouldnโt freeze the assembled vegan quinoa salad. The raw vegetables and dressing taste best fresh!
Did you love this clean eating recipe?
Be sure to pin this recipe to your Healthy Recipes Pinterest board using the social sharing buttons so you can access this with your quinoa salad recipes whenever youโre ready to make it!
Scroll down for the printable recipe, and take the FREE quiz to discover your personalized gluten free plan to claim back your love of food!
Southwestern Quinoa Salad
Equipment
- whisk
- small bowl or jar
- mixing bowl and spoon
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 roma tomato diced & seeded
- ยผ cup bell pepper diced
- ยฝ cup black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 tablespoon red onion
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoon salsa
- โ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the quinoa, tomato, diced pepper, black beans, and red onion in a bowl.
- Make the dressing by mixing together the lime juice, salsa, salt, and cilantroleaves in a separate jar or small bowl.
- Mix with the rest of the ingredients and thoroughly incorporate.
- If desired, top with extra cilantro before serving
Notes
- ingredient and equipment suggestions,
- tips for cooking quinoa, and
- frequently asked questions
Looking for other easy gluten-free & vegan recipes that you will love (including quinoa recipes?)
- Blueberry breakfast quinoa
- Creamy summer vegetable risotto
- Easy apple cobbler in a mug
- 17 GF+ vegan shakes & smoothie bowls
- Easy vegetable stew
Thanks for trying this gluten free quinoa salad!
Ana Palombini
OMG, Yummmm! I love quinoa and, as a Brazilian, I can eat beans with everything. This is such a great recipe inspiration. It's been a while since I've varied my quinoa salad. Thank you for this. I will 100% be trying it out!
thehelpfulgf
yes, I love quinoa and beans too! Such an easy make-ahead recipe!
Jenny Brereton
Yumm!!!! This is one of my favorite vegan dishes to make. I love adding avocado and hot sauce to it.
thehelpfulgf
ooo what a great idea! love it!
Melissa
The quinoa was cooked to perfection and the veggies added such a nice crunch. Absolutely yummy! And I loved how light and refreshing it was. Definitely saving this recipe for future meal preps!
Sharon McCaskill
so happy you liked it!