Quinoa Salad Is A Heart Healthy Meal

Quinoa Southwest Salad recipe is both hearty and light. Quinoa is a seed that behaves like a whole grain. It is high in protein and in fiber and full of hearty goodness. This tasty seed has a nutty rich flavor that is tamed by the peppers and cilantro. The cumin lime salad dressing adds a ton of flavor and pairs beautifully with the black beans and colored peppers. This amazing dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course. I like to pack it in my lunch and take it to work with me.  Quinoa just takes a few minutes to make and then is easily tossed with the other ingredients.  A perfect recipe when you are in a fix for time.

Southwest Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients

• 3 cups Cooked Quinoa
• 1/2 Cup Cilantro, Chopped
• 1/2 Cup each red green and yellow peppers, chopped
• 1/2 Cup green onion chopped
• 1 14 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• a small handful of arugula (optional)
• 1 14 oz can sweet corn (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

Ingredients Salad Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Quinoa Southwest Salad Directions

1. Mix Quinoa, peppers, cilantro, arugula, onion, black beans corn and red wine vinegar together.
2. In a small bowl mix olive oil, lime juice, cumin, sea salt and black pepper.
3. Pour over salad mixture.
4. Serve at room temperature.  Serves 6.

Quinoa is one of my favorite grains, even if it isn’t really a grain. I love the rich flavor and the way that it pairs with just about anything.  The health benefits are vast and powerful. For example:

• Perfect protein.
• High in fiber.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Lowers cholesterol.
• Relieves migraines.
• Gluten free.

Those are some serious health benefits for such a tiny little seed! Add your veggies and beans and you are sure to enjoy a perfect healthy lovely meal.  Southwest Quinoa Salad recipe is one to grace your favorite meals in minutes file.  Enjoy!