About this recipe
This Mexican quinoa salad is fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It’s made with fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and finished with creamy avocado, pepitas, and a tangy cilantro dressing. It’s the kind of recipe that checks every box: easy, healthy, and perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based or just need a go-to dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this salad is for you.
Why will you love this recipe?
- One-pot wonder. Cook the quinoa in one pot and mix everything in one bowl—easy cleanup!
- Full of color and texture. Creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, juicy tomatoes… every bite is exciting.
- Super nourishing. Packed with fiber, plant protein, and tons of vitamins.
- Great hot or cold. Eat it right away or make it ahead—it keeps well in the fridge.
- Naturally vegan + gluten-free. It’s a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: Sub with brown rice, bulgur, or cauliflower rice if needed.
- Black Beans + Hominy
- Corn: Frozen, fresh, or grilled corn kernels all work.
- Pico de Gallo
- Avocado: Adds creaminess—choose a ripe but firm avocado.
- Lime Juice
- Pepitas: Sub with sunflower seeds if you like.
- Creamy Cilantro Dressing: A dreamy final touch that brings everything together.
How to Make Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Cook the quinoa
- Prep the veggies: Make your pico de gallo while the quinoa cools.
- Combine: Add the quinoa, pico de gallo, black beans, corn, and hominy to a large mixing bowl.
- Finish it off: Gently fold in the avocado and pepitas. Drizzle with the creamy cilantro dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy right away or store in the fridge.
Home Cook to Home Cook Tips
- Cool the quinoa fast: Stir in frozen corn after cooking to cool it quickly—saves time!
- Meal prep tip: Leave out the avocado and dressing until just before serving to keep things fresh.
- Make it heartier: Add chopped kale or shredded lettuce for extra greens.
- Use a big bowl: Seriously. Mixing this salad is so much easier in a large salad or mixing bowl.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Equipment
- 6-qt sauté pan with a lid
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup black beans cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen, fresh, or canned
- 1 cup hominy maíz pozolero, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes Roma, cherry, or grape
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño or serrano minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 1/4 cup pepitas pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Optional
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Creamy cilantro dressing for serving
Instructions
Cook the quinoa:
- In a large pot, combine quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Make the pico-style base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
Assemble the salad:
- To the bowl, add the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, and hominy. Drizzle with olive oil and mix gently.
Add toppings:
- Fold in diced avocado and sprinkle with pepitas. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime juice as needed.
Serve:
- Drizzle with creamy cilantro dressing and serve immediately. Enjoy warm or chilled!
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨