Summer Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Lime Dressing – A Refreshing Vegan Recipe

This delicious and vibrant summer quinoa salad by Susan Voisin is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a base of fluffy quinoa, this salad is loaded with crunchy cucumbers, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and creamy avocado. The zesty lime and chipotle dressing brings all the flavors together, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for hot summer days.

Why Make Summer Quinoa Salad?

This salad is not only light and refreshing but also packed with protein from quinoa and chickpeas. The mix of fresh herbs and vegetables adds layers of texture and flavor, while the avocado adds creaminess. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for a summer gathering.

Ingredients

For the quinoa:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed

• 2 1/4 cups water (or 2 1/2 cups for stovetop cooking)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

For the vegetables:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced

• 2 medium-large tomatoes, finely chopped

• 2 ears cooked corn, kernels only (about 1 cup)

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas

• 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced

• 2/3 cup parsley, minced

• 1/3 cup fresh mint, minced

• 1 ripe avocado, diced (reserve slices for garnish)

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 3 tbsp vegetable broth (or bean cooking liquid)

• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/4-1 tsp chipotle chili pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well and cook it in water with garlic and salt. For stovetop cooking, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Fluff and allow it to cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, corn kernels, jalapeño, chickpeas, scallions, parsley, and mint.

3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together the lime juice, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, garlic, and chipotle chili pepper.

4. Combine Everything: Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mix. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Garnish with avocado slices and serve.

Customizing Your Summer Quinoa Salad

• Switch up the herbs: Try cilantro or basil for a different flavor.

• Make it heartier: Add cooked black beans or grilled tofu for extra protein.

• Spice it up: Adjust the chipotle chili pepper or add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

This summer quinoa salad is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for summer picnics or light meals!