Name: Quinoa Salad with Oil-Free Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed using fine mesh strainer and drain); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 medium avocado (pitted and chopped); 1 15- ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained); 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (chopped); 1 cup organic sweet corn kernels; 2 green onions (chopped); 3/4 cup cashew (soaked overnight or boiled for 5 minutes); 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; 1 clove garlic; 1/2 teaspoon powdered chipotle pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

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This Quinoa Salad with Oil-Free Chipotle Ranch Dressing is my new favorite salad. Quick and easy to prepare, bursting with flavors, nutritious and hearty!

FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS, SCROLL TO SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END. BUT BEFORE YOU SCROLL CHECK IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.

After all the holiday rich dishes, it is time for more nutritious meals. I have been drinking my Detox Tea daily with great results and also making lots of soups like my Broccoli Cheese Soup and Instant Pot Lentil Soup. Simple dishes with lots of nutrients and fiber help nourish my body.

If you haven’t tried quinoa, it is a must try, It is high in protein and fiber, and it cooks in only 15 minutes, so that’s a win-win. I decided to add black beans, tomatoes, corn, avocado, and green onion to the quinoa and top it with a creamy vegan chipotle ranch dressing. This dressing tastes amazing, I couldn’t stop tasting it, it is my new favorite salad dressing. See How To Cook Quinoa.

I used powdered chili pepper in the salad dressing, but you can leave it out or substitute with smoked paprika. This Quinoa Salad recipe is perfect served as is, or you can add extra protein by adding baked marinated tofu. You can substitute the cashew with soaked almonds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.

Ingredients For Quinoa Salad

Quinoa: A versatile and nutritious grain that serves as the base of the salad. Quinoa is high in protein and fiber, offering a satisfying chewiness and a slightly nutty flavor that complements various ingredients.
Vegetable Broth: Used to cook the quinoa, vegetable broth infuses it with additional flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the salad compared to using plain water.
Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: These add a juicy, sweet pop of flavor and a vibrant burst of color. Their freshness contrasts beautifully with the other savory and creamy elements in the salad.
Avocado: Brings creaminess and richness to the salad. Its buttery texture pairs well with the lightness of the quinoa and the acidity of the tomatoes.
Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained: A great source of protein and fiber, black beans contribute a hearty, meaty texture and a mild, earthy flavor that anchors the other ingredients.
Cilantro Leaves: These herbs add a fresh, citrusy note to the salad, brightening the flavors and adding a hint of green.
Sweet Corn Kernels: Provide a sweet crunch that complements the softness of the avocado and beans, adding another layer of texture and a sunny, sweet flavor.
Green Onions: Offer a mild onion flavor with a slight sharpness, which contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the avocado and the richness of the beans, while enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.

How To Prepare Quinoa Salad with Oil-Free Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Add vegetable broth in a medium pot on medium high. Add quinoa and bring to a boil; cover and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare vegetables and salad dressing.
To Prepare The Chipotle Ranch Dressing
1. To prepare salad dressing, place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and process until creamy. Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. To serve, place quinoa in the base of a bowl, arrange black beans, corn, tomato, avocado, cilantro and green onions and top with the salad dressing and serve immediately.

More Delicious Quinoa Recipes to Try:

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