Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Imagine the bright, zesty aroma of fresh lime mingling with fragrant cilantro as you dive into a bowl of perfectly fluffy quinoa. This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad delivers a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite, balancing hearty protein-packed ingredients with crisp vegetables and a tangy, herb-infused dressing. This wholesome dish has become a staple in health-conscious kitchens because it’s not only nutritious but incredibly versatile and flavorful. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced quinoa salad that works as a standalone meal or a vibrant side dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad stands out as a true crowd-pleaser for numerous reasons. First, it’s incredibly nutritious – packed with protein from quinoa and white beans, making it a complete meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. The contrast between the nutty quinoa, creamy beans, and crisp cucumber creates an irresistible textural experience that keeps every bite interesting.

What makes this quinoa cilantro salad truly special is its vibrant dressing. The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and subtle sweetness from maple syrup creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and complex. Unlike many heavy side dishes, this light quinoa salad maintains its fresh appeal even after sitting in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

Even better, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, requiring minimal cooking and just a few simple steps. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how this lime cilantro quinoa dish delivers gourmet flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients List for the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

This salad combines protein-rich quinoa and beans with fresh vegetables and a zesty herb dressing. The balance of pantry staples and fresh produce creates a nutritionally complete dish with vibrant flavors.

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, with stems
• 1 scallion, end removed
• 1–2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ¼ cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt or extra virgin olive oil
• Zest of one lime
• Juice of two limes (2 limes)
• ½ tsp coriander
• 1 tbsp white Grape juice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 (15 oz) can of white beans, rinsed and drained
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped

Pro Tips

For the most flavorful Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad, don’t skip these essential techniques:

First, always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter or soapy taste. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for at least 30 seconds, or until the water runs clear.

When preparing the dressing, include some cilantro stems along with the leaves. The stems actually contain more flavor than the leaves and add depth to your dressing. Just make sure to remove any woody or tough parts near the bottom of the stems.

Finally, allow your quinoa to cool completely before mixing with the dressing and vegetables. Hot quinoa will wilt fresh ingredients and absorb too much dressing too quickly. For best results, spread cooked quinoa on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then fluff with a fork before assembling the salad for perfect texture in your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Cook quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dressing
In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, scallion, garlic, yogurt, lime juice and zest, coriander, white Grape juice vinegar, and maple syrup. Process until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, beans, onion, and cucumber. Toss to combine.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
When ready to serve, pour the cilantro lime dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss again to evenly coat.

Step 5: Season and Serve
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.

Variations

The Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is wonderfully adaptable to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and diced bell peppers. The salty olives and cheese complement the bright lime dressing beautifully, creating a more robust flavor profile.

For those seeking extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this salad into a complete meal. The protein pairs wonderfully with the zesty dressing, making it even more satisfying.

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, this quinoa salad is naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, simply use olive oil instead of yogurt in the dressing. You can also swap white beans for black beans or chickpeas based on your preference or what you have in your pantry – all work wonderfully with the cilantro lime flavors.

Storage and Serving

The Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time, with many people finding it tastes even better on day two. If you’re planning to store it, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain optimal texture.

For a complete meal, serve this quinoa salad alongside grilled fish or chicken for added protein. It also makes an excellent filling for lettuce wraps – simply scoop the salad into butter lettuce leaves for a light lunch option.

When entertaining, present this vibrant salad in a large, shallow bowl garnished with additional cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. The colorful ingredients create an appealing dish that works beautifully as part of a buffet spread or as a refreshing side for a summer barbecue. Consider serving it with tortilla chips on the side for a fun, scoopable appetizer option.

FAQs

Can I make this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though you may want to add the cucumber just before serving to maintain its crispness.

I don’t like cilantro. Can I substitute another herb?
Absolutely. While cilantro is a key flavor component, you can substitute fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and mint for a different but equally refreshing herb profile.

Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free and makes an excellent grain alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How can I make this salad more substantial?
Add diced avocado, roasted sweet potato, or grilled chicken to transform this into a heartier main dish. You could also include additional vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.

Can I freeze this quinoa salad?
While you can freeze the cooked quinoa separately, I don’t recommend freezing the complete salad as the vegetables and herbs will lose their texture and freshness when thawed. For best results, enjoy this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad fresh or refrigerated.

Print