Delicious Mexican Quinoa Salad: Protein-Packed & 20 Min

✅ Vegan | Gluten-Free | Protein-Packed & Refreshing | Ready in 20 Minutes

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Searching for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious and quick to prepare? This Zesty Mexican Quinoa Salad is your answer! It’s a vibrant, colorful bowl packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. Quinoa forms a fantastic, complete protein base, while hearty black beans and sweet corn add wonderful texture and flavor. Everything is brought together by a zesty, smoky, and citrusy lime-cumin dressing that truly ties the salad together.

This Mexican Quinoa Salad recipe is incredibly versatile and makes a perfect light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or an excellent option for meal prep. Best of all, it’s completely vegan, gluten-free, and can be on your table in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Zesty Lime-Cumin Dressing:

Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, bring 1 ¾ cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool completely.
Combine Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh chopped cilantro.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper until well combined.
Dress and Chill: Pour the zesty dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated. For the best flavor, chill the Mexican Quinoa Salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Protein-Packed Mexican Quinoa Salad:

This Zesty Mexican Quinoa Salad is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and incredibly healthy. The combination of fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, crisp vegetables, and that bright, smoky dressing makes every spoonful a delight. It’s a fantastic protein-packed and refreshing meal solution that’s perfect for warm weather or when you need a quick, nutritious boost. Its vegan and gluten-free nature makes it a crowd-pleaser for any dietary preference!

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

Every ingredient in this Mexican quinoa salad contributes to its impressive nutritional profile:

Quinoa: This ancient grain is renowned for being a complete plant protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.
Black Beans & Corn: These provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and satiety. They are also rich in various vitamins (like folate) and powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells.
Bell Pepper & Onion: Adding a vibrant crunch, red bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, crucial for immune support, while onions offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Lime Juice & Spices (Cumin, Smoked Paprika): These not only give the salad its signature Mexican flavor but also offer health benefits. Lime juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika can aid digestion and provide antioxidants without adding extra calories.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This Zesty Mexican Quinoa Salad is more than just a quick recipe — it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, packed with wholesome goodness. With its perfect balance of fresh ingredients, satisfying textures, and bold, zesty flavors, it’s a dish that feels nourishing and incredibly flavorful every time. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side, this Mexican Quinoa Salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Looking for more delicious and wholesome ideas? 👉 Explore our full collection of Healthy Vegan Recipes for more plant-based meals you’ll love!