Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of Southwestern flavor! This Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Cilantro Dressing is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of health and deliciousness packed into one bowl. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal prep option. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying feast that serves four—making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans. Dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add corn and diced bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- For the cilantro dressing, blend fresh cilantro, remaining olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, sautéed corn and bell pepper, and diced avocado.
- Drizzle cilantro dressing over the bowl and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the natural saponins that can give it a bitter taste, ensuring your dish is as delicious as possible.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to the bowl for extra flavor and nutrition. The more colorful, the better!
- Make Ahead: Cooked quinoa can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making this bowl a fantastic option for meal prep. Just assemble the ingredients and dress right before serving.
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cilantro dressing for a spicy twist!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side not only enhances the look but also adds a fresh burst of flavor when served.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this flavorful Southwest Quinoa Bowl!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
