Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a delightful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or a light side. Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck. The standout feature of this recipe is its zesty herb-infused dressing that elevates the simple quinoa and veggies into a refreshing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip this salad up in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cilantro, lime, and garlic creates a tangy dressing that brightens every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side; it pairs well with various proteins or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from quinoa and white beans, this salad is not only tasty but also healthy.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, you will need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or blender: Essential for creating the smooth cilantro lime dressing quickly.
• Medium saucepan: Needed to cook quinoa evenly, ensuring the right texture.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Cook quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff your quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

To create the cilantro lime dressing:
1. Place the following ingredients in a food processor or blender:
– Fresh cilantro
– Scallion
– Crushed garlic
– Plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt (or olive oil)
– Juice of two limes
– Zest of one lime
– Coriander
– White apple vinegar
– Maple syrup
2. Process until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
– The cooled quinoa
– Rinsed white beans
– Finely diced red onion
– Chopped cucumber

Toss these ingredients together gently until well mixed.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

When ready to serve, pour your prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together once more to ensure even coverage of the dressing.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. You can serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for an hour to enhance the flavors even further. Enjoy your refreshing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual lunch, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• This salad works wonderfully as the main course for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

With Grilled Chicken or Turkey

• Add grilled chicken or turkey slices on top for extra protein. The zesty dressing complements the savory flavors beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps to serve the salad. This option adds a refreshing crunch and makes for an easy-to-eat finger food.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside your favorite grilled vegetables or proteins. The bright flavors of the salad make it an excellent accompaniment to many dishes.

Chilled for Summer Picnics

• Prepare this salad ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. It’s perfect for summer picnics, keeping you cool while offering great flavor.

How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

To create the best Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables make all the difference in flavor.
• Fluff Your Quinoa: After cooking, fluff your quinoa gently with a fork to keep it light and airy.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients according to your preference, whether you like it tangier or creamier.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options you can consider:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that complements the salad well.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the zesty salad.
3. Avocado Toast: A creamy avocado spread on toasted bread adds richness to your meal.
4. Hummus Platter: Serve with assorted veggies and pita chips for dipping; it’s a great way to add more fiber and flavor.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit mix balances out savory dishes perfectly; try seasonal fruits for variety.
6. Chickpea Patties: Crispy chickpea patties provide protein and texture; they can be served warm alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad to a whole new level.

• Skipping the rinsing: Not rinsing quinoa before cooking can result in a bitter taste. Always rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin.
• Overcooking quinoa: Cooking quinoa for too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and keep an eye on it to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: A bland salad is unappealing. Make sure to season your salad appropriately with salt and pepper after mixing in the dressing for enhanced flavor.
• Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your cilantro, garlic, and other produce are fresh to maximize flavor and nutrition in your salad.
• Forgetting to chill: Serving the salad immediately can reduce its flavor. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad.

Can I make Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It actually tastes better when allowed to chill!

What can I add for extra protein?

Consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or another type of beans for added protein in your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

How do I customize my Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn. You can also substitute different herbs based on your preferences!

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor and nutrition. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients, making it suitable for any meal. Try it today and enjoy a deliciously refreshing dish!

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Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Fresh and zesty, this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad comes together quickly. Perfect for any meal, give it a try today!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 scallion
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• 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

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Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. In a food processor, blend cilantro, scallion, garlic, yogurt (or olive oil), lime juice, zest, vinegar, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, rinsed white beans, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber. Toss gently.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again for even coverage.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg