This Quinoa Taco Salad is one of my favorite lunches – it’s so easy to throw into a container on the way out the door.
It also makes a great dinner!
It has a great balance of veggies, fiber, protein, and healthy fat to keep you full and satisfied.
Looking for more ideas? Here are some of my favorite quinoa recipes!
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Before you check out the photos and a loose recipe for this quick and easy meal, be sure to check out the video in this post showing just how simple it is to throw together!
I love a good taco salad.
Anyone else?
But I don’t always want a super meaty, chip-heavy version of taco salad – that definitely has its time and place, but sometimes you just want something a bit lighter and fresher, you know?
Enter: this quinoa taco salad.
Filling and delicious, and with great Mexican flavor, but packed with veggies and light enough to enjoy for lunch without feeling like you need a nap 5 minutes later.
Sign me up!
Quinoa Taco Salad Recipe
This “recipe” is really flexible – feel free to get creative with additions and quantities. No measuring necessary!
Just toss everything together in a bowl (or even in a packable container) and toss to combine.
Then you’re good to go!
No, seriously.
That’s it. 🙂
If it’s too dry, add more salsa.
If it’s not flavorful enough, some salt and pepper and a few shakes of cumin will up the ante – or, add some Mexican-style hot sauce!
Not a cheddar cheese fan? Feel free to use feta instead – either will be delicious!
Check out this quinoa chickpea salad with feta for another tasty grain salad idea.
Looking for more volume and texture variety?
Serve it atop greens – arugula, mixed greens, or baby spinach would all work well here.
Want more healthy fat?
Throw in some avocado (this can also be in place of the cheese, if you’re focusing on a plant-based diet).
Guacamole is also a delicious mix-in option here!
Want a little more tang?
Add a squeeze of lime juice!
While you’re cooking the quinoa – make extra, and try one of these other quinoa recipe faves from my recipe archives:
- Lemony Spinach Quinoa Bean Salad
- “Cheesy” Vegan Mushroom Quinoa
- Comforting Pumpkin Quinoa
- Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
And for more Mexican-themed deliciousness, check these recipes out:
- Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans (vegan, gluten free)
- Mexican Lasagna (gluten free if using corn tortillas)
- Creamy Mexican Chicken Chili Soup (gluten free)
- Mexican-Style Sweet Potato Fries (vegan, gluten free)
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas (vegan if omit cheese)
- Mexican Brown Rice Salad Bowl (vegan)
And now, here’s the loose recipe, but again, feel free to get creative.
Enjoy!
Quinoa Taco Salad
This Quinoa Taco Salad is one of my favorite lunches. It has a great balance of veggies, fiber, protein, and healthy fat to keep you full and satisfied.
Ingredients:
- cooked quinoa
- chopped tomatoes
- chopped bell peppers
- black beans, drained and rinsed
- salsa
- diced avocado
- grated cheddar cheese
- chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Just throw it all into a bowl, mix, and enjoy! Again, the proportions are up to you — it doesn’t have to be exact for this recipe at all, and that’s the fun in it.
What’s your favorite Mexican-themed meal?
Mine is probably tacos, or enchiladas – although I do love taco salad!
