This vibrant Quinoa and Corn Salad with Pumpkin Seeds is a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or side at dinner. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, sweet corn, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and fresh vegetables like cucumber, red pepper, and tomatoes, this salad bursts with flavor and texture. The addition of jalapeno and a tangy lime dressing adds a touch of heat and brightness, making it a refreshing yet hearty salad for any occasion.
Quinoa and Corn Salad with Pumpkin Seeds
Course: Main, SaladsCuisine: Vegetarian4-6
servings15
minutes15
minutes320
kcalIngredients
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 medium garlic clove, minced or pressed
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
1 1/2 cups quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained (about 4 cups cooked)
2 ears corn, kernels cut from cob
1 medium red pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and diced
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 medium head red-leaf lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and dried
2 ripe medium tomatoes, cored and cut into thin wedges
1 ripe avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
Directions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, corn kernels, diced red pepper, diced cucumber, scallions, jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve the Salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the red-leaf lettuce leaves. Spoon the quinoa mixture onto the lettuce, spreading it evenly. Top the salad with the tomato wedges, avocado slices, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the salad just before eating.
Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Quinoa and Corn Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, a wholesome and satisfying dish packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for meal prep or a light meal, offering a refreshing combination of textures and flavors with each bite.
