Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Limey Quinoa Dream Salad – You’ll Want To Dive In!

Ever just want a salad that’s fresh, zesty, and feels like summer, even in winter? Yeah, me too! Like, I could eat this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad every day and not get tired of it. Seriously, it’s that good.

Okay, so let’s talk about what goes into this little bowl of sunshine.

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, here’s the scoop. You’ll need:
– 1 cup quinoa (make sure it’s uncooked, duh!)
– A pinch of salt (you know, just enough to make things pop)
– ½ cup fresh cilantro (stem-y bits are totally okay, no judgment)
– 1 scallion (just chop off the end and we’re good)
– 1-2 cloves garlic (crushed, because who doesn’t love garlic?)
– ¼ cup plain plant-based yogurt or olive oil (pick your poison)
– Zest of one lime (that little green ball of happiness!)
– Juice of two limes (go ahead and squeeze those babies!)
– ½ tsp coriander (adds a nice lil’ kick)
– 1 tbsp white apple vinegar (yes, it’s a thing!)
– 1 tbsp maple syrup (sweetness is key, trust me)
– 1 can of white beans (washed and ready!)
– ⅓ cup red onion (finely diced, cause we want it to blend in)
– ½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped (no one likes watery salads)

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, pic this: It’s a hot summer day, and I’m sweating bullets, right? I just whip this salad together in like, 25 minutes flat. It’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl! 🌞 The first time I made it was for a BBQ with friends, and y’all—everyone went nuts over it! They were like, “What’s in this?” and I’m sitting there pretending I’m some culinary genius. Honestly, it’s just a bunch of stuff you toss in a bowl. But the flavors? Oh man. The lime and cilantro dance on your taste buds like they’re at a rave! 🍃🎉

The One Trick That Changes Everything

So here’s the real deal. When you’re blending the dressing, don’t skimp on the blending time! Just let that food processor work its magic for a good 30 seconds to a minute—it makes the dressing super creamy and everything just melds so well. Like, when you pour it on the salad, it should be *thick* and luscious. No one wants a watery dressing, am I right?

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Check your quinoa. It’s super easy to overcook. Seriously, set a timer for 12 minutes—start checking it at 10.
2. Don’t skip the maple syrup! Unless you’re a total sugar hater or something—trust me, it balances everything!
3. Adjust seasoning after dressing. Give it a taste after you toss in the dressing. You might need a sprinkle of salt or pepper (just don’t overdo it!).

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

Honestly? Good luck. I made a batch last week and it was gone in a day! But if you do manage to have leftovers (like, major props to you), just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days (but it’s best eaten right away, you know).

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if you’re into this vibe, you’ll love:
– My Avocado Toast with all the toppings (like, it’s a whole mood).
– A classic Caprese Salad (because who doesn’t love mozzarella?).
– Or try my Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos (they’re a total game changer).

So, what’s your go-to summer salad? Got any zesty recipes I need to know about? Let’s swap ideas! 🍽️❤️