Quinoa Salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad combines protein-packed quinoa with a medley of colorful vegetables, tossed in a zesty lime-cumin dressing. It's a perfect dish for meal prep, picnics, or as a light main course.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup quinoa

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 limes, juiced

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

• 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 5 green onions, finely chopped

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl.

3. Combine cooled quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper.

4. Serve immediately or chill salad in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250

• Total Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 622mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 38g

• Dietary Fiber: 8g

• Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 10g

• Vitamin C: 23mg

• Calcium: 47mg

• Iron: 3mg

• Potassium: 497mg