This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or preparing a healthy lunch, this salad delivers on flavor and nutrition. The zesty dressing brings an exciting twist to quinoa, while the addition of white beans and fresh vegetables makes it hearty and satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare in just under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Dressing: The zesty cilantro lime dressing elevates the taste, giving you a burst of freshness in every bite.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from quinoa and beans, it’s a healthy choice for any meal.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or even as a filling for wraps—perfect for various occasions!
- Vegan-Friendly: Made with plant-based yogurt or olive oil, this recipe fits well into vegan diets.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor or blender: Essential for creating the smooth cilantro lime dressing quickly.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect size for cooking quinoa without making a mess.
- Mixing bowl: A larger bowl makes tossing all ingredients together easier.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables like cucumber and red onion.
Ingredients
This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and is tossed with a delicious herb-infused zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
– Pinch of salt
– ½ cup fresh cilantro, with stems
– 1 scallion, end removed
– 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
– ¼ cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt or extra virgin olive oil
– Zest of one lime
– Juice of two limes
– ½ tsp coriander
– 1 tbsp white apple vinegar
– 1 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 (15 oz) can of white beans, rinsed and drained
– ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
– ½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Cook quinoa according to the package directions. Once cooked, fluff your quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
For the cilantro lime dressing:
1. Place your cilantro, scallion, garlic, yogurt, lime juice and zest, coriander, white apple vinegar, and maple syrup in a food processor or blender.
2. Process until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add in your cooled quinoa, rinsed white beans, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber.
2. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
When ready to serve:
1. Pour your prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Toss everything together once more to ensure even coverage.
Step 5: Serve
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. You can serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
This refreshing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, it complements many meals beautifully.
As a Main Dish
- Serve chilled for lunch: Perfect for a light and nutritious lunch, this salad keeps well in the fridge.
- Pair with grilled vegetables: Enhance your meal by serving it alongside grilled zucchini, peppers, or asparagus.
As a Side Dish
- Accompany with tacos: This salad adds a fresh touch to any taco night, balancing out spices.
- Serve with barbecued meats: The zesty flavors of the salad complement grilled chicken, pork, or fish perfectly.
In a Wrap
- Wrap it up: Add the salad to a whole grain wrap with some avocado and greens for an easy meal on-the-go.
- Use as a filling: Stuff it into pita pockets for a healthy snack option that’s both satisfying and delicious.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
To ensure your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is always at its best, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice significantly enhance flavor. Avoid old produce whenever possible.
- Cool quinoa properly: Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting other ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving for optimal flavor balance.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes after dressing. This helps flavors develop more fully.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad pairs excellently with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with lime butter complements the zesty flavors of the salad.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread makes for an indulgent yet healthy pairing.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tangy salad.
- Chickpea Hummus: Serve alongside pita chips or veggie sticks for a crunchy addition.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes provide a delightful bite-sized treat.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These add substance and can be filled with grains or beans for extra protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the rinsing step: Always rinse quinoa before cooking. This removes the bitter coating, enhancing the flavor of your salad.
- Overcooking quinoa: Follow the package instructions carefully. Overcooked quinoa can become mushy, ruining the texture of your salad.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season your dressing and salad with salt and pepper. This simple step brings all the flavors together.
- Not letting quinoa cool: Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This prevents wilting and keeps everything fresh.
- Using stale herbs: Fresh cilantro is vital for flavor. Make sure your herbs are fresh for the best taste in your salad.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
- You can freeze this salad for up to 1 month.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try with this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad?
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or avocados. You can also substitute beans with chickpeas or lentils for different flavors.
Is this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is plant-based and perfect for vegans looking for a nutritious meal.
How do I store leftovers of Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Final Thoughts
This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Give it a try—you’ll love how refreshing and satisfying it is!
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a healthy lunch option, this salad combines fluffy quinoa with zesty dressing and hearty white beans. The fresh vegetables not only enhance its taste but also provide added crunch and nutrition. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this easy-to-make salad that’s great on its own or as a versatile side dish. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a nutritious meal, this delicious salad is sure to impress!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 scallion
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt or extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of two limes
- 1 (15 oz) can of white beans
- ⅓ cup red onion
- ½ cucumber
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and cool.
- In a food processor, blend cilantro, scallion, garlic, yogurt/olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, coriander, white apple vinegar, and maple syrup until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, rinsed white beans, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg