Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, white beans, and a zesty herb-infused dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• Pinch of salt
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
2. Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, scallion, garlic, yogurt (or olive oil), lime juice and zest, coriander, white apple vinegar, and maple syrup. Process until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Toss in the rinsed white beans, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts just before serving.
• Swap white beans for chickpeas or black beans for a different flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, increase the plant-based yogurt and reduce the olive oil accordingly.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer to prevent sogginess. Reheat the quinoa portion gently if desired, but this salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing in advance. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. Use plant-based yogurt or olive oil in the dressing to keep it vegan-friendly.

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This refreshing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring fluffy quinoa, white beans, crisp cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing made from fresh herbs, lime juice, and a hint of maple syrup. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad Base:

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• Pinch of salt
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped

For the Dressing:

• 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

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: Cook quinoa according to the package instructions in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool completely to prevent wilting the salad ingredients.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine fresh cilantro with stems, scallion, crushed garlic, plant-based yogurt or olive oil, lime zest and juice, coriander, white apple vinegar, and maple syrup. Process everything until smooth to create a creamy, herbaceous dressing.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa. Toss in the rinsed and drained white beans, finely diced red onion, and chopped cucumber to add texture and freshness to the salad base.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared cilantro lime dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
5. Serve or Chill: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a fresh, warm salad or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to cool the quinoa completely before combining with the dressing to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients.
• Use plant-based yogurt for a creamier dressing or olive oil for a lighter option.
• This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
• Add avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture if desired.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the dressing.

Keywords: cilantro lime quinoa salad, vegan quinoa salad, healthy quinoa salad, lime dressing, plant-based salad, quick salad recipe, protein-packed salad