If you’re on the lookout for a healthy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious meal, look no further than our Mexican Quinoa Salad recipe. Packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this quinoa salad is a winner for any occasion. It also happens to be one of my favorite nutritious meal prep recipes!
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (1) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-13.jpg)
Ingredients for Mexican Quinoa Salad:
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful quinoa salad, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) corn, drained
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 10-15 fresh cherry tomatoes, quartered
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (2) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-1.jpg)
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delectable Mexican Quinoa Salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa
Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. You’ll need 3 cups of cooked quinoa, which is typically made from 1 cup of uncooked quinoa. Allow the cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature before using it in the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked and cooled quinoa, finely chopped red onion, crushed garlic, and lemon juice. This forms the base of your Mexican Quinoa Salad.
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (3) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-3.jpg)
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (4) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-2.jpg)
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (5) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-4.jpg)
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Chop the fresh parsley and cilantro finely, then stir them into the quinoa mixture. Now, it’s time to add the flavor boosters – dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. These seasonings will infuse your salad with that authentic Mexican taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Black Beans and Corn
Gently fold in the black beans and corn, which add texture and fiber to your quinoa salad. Make sure they’re well-distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss everything together. The olive oil not only adds a luscious richness but also helps to bind all the flavors together.
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (6) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-11.jpg)
Step 6: Freshen Up with Cherry Tomatoes
Just before serving, quarter the fresh cherry tomatoes and fold them into the salad. These juicy and colorful additions provide a burst of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the other ingredients.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Mexican Quinoa Salad can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a potluck contribution.
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (7) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (7)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-7.jpg)
Tips for the Perfect Mexican Quinoa Salad:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. It’s flavorful and tender, making it an excellent choice for this salad. You can also use grilled or roasted chicken if preferred.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the fresh parsley and cilantro. They add a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute with more parsley.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Customize: This recipe is highly customizable. You can add avocado, bell peppers, red or green chilies, or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (8) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (8)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-14.jpg)
Quinoa Salad Variations:
Mexican Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that allows for various interpretations. Here are a few exciting variations you can try:
1. Vegetarian Delight:
For a meatless version, simply omit the shredded chicken. The black beans and quinoa provide enough protein and texture to make it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
2. Seafood Sensation:
Swap out the rotisserie chicken for grilled shrimp or flaked salmon to create a seafood twist on this recipe.
3. Vegan Magic:
To make this dish vegan, skip the chicken and use plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh. Substitute honey for a vegan sweetener in the dressing, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
4. Salsa Surprise:
Top your Mexican Quinoa Salad with your favorite salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor and spice.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Quinoa Salad:
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Mexican Quinoa Salad:
1. Health and Flavor in Every Bite:
This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition with protein from the chicken, fiber from the quinoa and beans, and a burst of freshness from the herbs and tomatoes. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
2. Mexican Quinoa Salad is Quick and Easy:
With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it whenever you please.
3. Burst of Mexican Flavors:
The combination of seasonings like cumin, oregano, and garlic, along with fresh cilantro and parsley, creates an explosion of Mexican flavors in every bite.
4. Customizable and Adaptable:
You can tailor this salad to your preferences, whether you want it spicy, meaty, vegetarian, or vegan. The options are endless, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
5. Great for Meal Prep:
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (9) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (9)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-15.jpg)
Prepare a large batch of Mexican Quinoa Salad and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
So there you have it, a delicious and nutritious Mexican Quinoa Salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become favorite recipe of mine!
More Delicious Salads
- Macaroni Salad
- Spaghetti Salad
![Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (10) Mexican Quinoa Salad Recipe (Quick & Easy!) (10)](https://i0.wp.com/dearcrissy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mexican-quinoa-salad-13-720x720.jpg)
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Healthy and flavorful Mexican quinoa salad is bursting with delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup uncooked)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups (one 15 oz. can) corn, drained
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 10-15 fresh cherry tomatoes quartered
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken, cooked and cooled quinoa, diced onion, garlic, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Chop parsley and cilantro, then stir into quinoa along with seasonings, black beans, and corn.
- Stir in oil and tomato immediately before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 410Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 704mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 27g