Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is pretty popular in our house. It’s easy to cook and works well with other flavors, and in particular, Southwestern flavors. This deluxe Southwestern quinoa salad is an excellent example. It is a different take on the recipe we normally use. We enjoy both versions!

Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Add A Little Kick

The combination of citrus flavors with cumin and smoked paprika really works well. Very classic southwestern. If you want a little bite, toss a few pinches of red pepper flakes in there too. And try different kinds of quinoa for a little color in your deluxe southwestern quinoa salad.

If you’re interested in the awesome steakhouse grinder we had with this salad, click here for the recipe.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Deluxe Southwestern Quinoa Salad

The combination of citrus flavors with cumin and smoked paprika really works well. Very classic southwestern.
Course Side
Cuisine Southwestern
Keyword quinoa, salad, southwestern
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 168kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup quinoa
  • 1 cup corn or 1/2 of a can of corn kernels, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 15 1/4 ounce black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 medium orange juiced

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa per package directions, making sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking. Drain and let cool almost completely. Place in a large bowl.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the corn kernels. Singe the corn, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add the corn, cumin, beans, tomato, feta, green onions, and smoked paprika
  • Stir the salad and add salt if desired.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice and orange juice. Add to the salad and toss.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

This southwestern quinoa salad is by far our favorite quinoa salad. With such great depth-of-flavor and a little smoky kick, you definitely won’t be bored with it. It is perfect for packing for lunch or having as a side with dinner. The textures and flavors abound in this salad.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad 2

The Perfect Picnic Salad

I mixed red and yellow quinoa to get more contrast in the final salad. In my humble opinion, my southwestern quinoa salad came out looking as great as it tasted!

Whenever we go antiquing, we like to pack a lunch. It saves a little money and it maximizes our time looking for ‘stuff’. So I’ll make a sandwich or a wrap, and a salad. This salad is a great one for trips since it travels well and isn’t messy to eat!

I make another version of this salad that includes delicious cherry tomatoes among other great things. Give it a try too!

Southwestern Quinoa Salad 2
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

A fantastic quinoa salad with great flavor.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword salad, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 194kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the dressing:

For the salad

Instructions

  • Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the quinoa and salt, cover, and boil for 10-15 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cumin, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, vinegar, olive oil and garlic.
  • To assemble the salad, place the black beans, corn, onion, red bell pepper, jalapenos, cilantro and quinoa in a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Add in the dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve, or refrigerate first.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 626mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.