Southwest Quinoa Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing
Dive into the vibrant world of flavors with our Southwest Quinoa Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing! This salad is a delightful blend of nutty quinoa, tender grilled chicken, and an array of colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a zesty lime dressing. Each bite offers a refreshing taste that celebrates the bounty of nature, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings. The combination of black beans and sweet corn adds both nutrition and texture, while fresh cilantro brings a burst of aromatic flavor. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups grilled chicken, diced
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions; fluff with a fork once done.
- Grill the chicken until cooked through and diced into pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Allow chilling for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg