Are you ready to elevate your lunch game with a burst of vibrant colors and flavors? Look no further than my favorite Vegan Quinoa Confetti Salad! This delightful dish not only dazzles the eyes with its rainbow of fresh ingredients but also packs a nutritional punch that will keep you energized throughout the day. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total of 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this refreshing salad in no time. Perfect for meal prep or as a crowd-pleasing side, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into the recipe and discover how to create this wholesome masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- If using fresh corn, cook and cool it. If using canned corn, drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse black beans under cold water and drain completely.
- Chop fresh cilantro finely, removing any tough stems.
- Add diced bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and black beans to the cooled quinoa.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently mix all ingredients to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing and nutritious vegan lunch or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa rest covered for 5 minutes. This allows it to steam and become fluffy. Fluff it gently with a fork before mixing with other ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh produce. If possible, opt for fresh corn on the cob for a sweet crunch, but canned corn works just fine if you’re short on time.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins! Avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can take this salad to the next level.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container and enjoy it throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
