Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish, the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is an absolute must-try. This salad bursts with fresh ingredients like zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and nourishing quinoa, all married together in a lively dressing that’s both creamy and tangy. It’s the kind of recipe that feels as fresh as a summer breeze and satisfying enough to be a hearty meal or a bright side dish. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself, packing a picnic, or bringing something special to a potluck, this salad never fails to impress with its natural colors, fantastic textures, and genuinely addictive flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simplicity and thoughtfully balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s lending texture, flavor, or that signature pop of color that makes the dish so inviting.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa: The nutrient-rich base that delivers a light, fluffy texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creamy protein and makes the salad more filling without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle bite and a splash of beautiful magenta color.
- ½ cucumber, chopped: Brings cool crunch that refreshes every bite.
- ½ cup fresh cilantro: The herbaceous heart of the salad, providing bright, citrusy notes.
- 1 scallion: Delivers a mild onion flavor that complements rather than competes.
- 1–2 cloves garlic: Gives just the right amount of savory depth.
- ¼ cup plant-based yogurt or olive oil: Creates a creamy dressing base—choose yogurt for tang or olive oil for richness.
- Juice and zest of two limes: The zesty lime punch that wakes up the entire salad.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup: Balances the acidity with a touch of gentle sweetness.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Quinoa
Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. It’s important not to skip the rinsing step beforehand to avoid any bitterness. Once it’s cooked to tender perfection, spread it out on a plate or shallow dish and allow it to cool completely—this ensures your salad stays fresh and the flavors meld beautifully without getting soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the quinoa cools, gather your fresh cilantro, scallion, garlic, and either plant-based yogurt or olive oil. Blend these together along with the lime juice and zest, a pinch of coriander if you like, a splash of vinegar if handy, and the maple syrup until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. The result should be bright, slightly tangy, and luscious enough to coat every grain of quinoa and morsel of veggie.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the white beans, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber. These ingredients bring fantastic texture contrasts and keep each bite exciting.
Step 4: Toss With Dressing
Pour your vibrant cilantro lime dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. This is when the salad truly comes alive with flavor and freshness.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can enjoy this salad right away for a fresh, room temperature experience, or pop it in the fridge for an hour or two to let the tastes meld even deeper. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

Garnishes
To make your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad look as stunning as it tastes, add a few simple garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted pepitas, or thin lime slices. These little details elevate both presentation and flavor, inviting everyone to dig in with enthusiasm.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with lighter proteins such as grilled tofu, blackened shrimp, or even a spicy chickpea wrap. It also shines alongside a savory soup or your favorite Mediterranean platters for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in halved avocado shells, scoop it onto crisp lettuce cups for handheld bites, or pack it in colorful mason jars for picnics and meal prep. Its vibrant colors and appealing textures make it versatile and visually delightful no matter how you plate it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because the dressing is light and fresh, the salad maintains great texture and taste without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and dressing can change consistency and become watery upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. However, if you prefer a warm salad, briefly microwave just the quinoa portion and then stir in the fresh veggies and dressing afterward.
FAQs
Can I use brown quinoa instead of white quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown quinoa has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture which works well in this salad. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as brown quinoa typically takes a bit longer to cook.
Is plant-based yogurt necessary in the dressing?
You can substitute plant-based yogurt with olive oil or even a mild vegan mayonnaise. The yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang, but olive oil offers a richer, silkier dressing if that’s what you prefer.
Can I add other vegetables to the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted corn to add personal flair and extra flavor to the salad.
How long does the salad keep its freshness?
Stored properly in the fridge, it should stay fresh and delicious for about four days. Beyond that, the texture of the veggies may soften, so it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! The Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten-free and can be fully vegan when using plant-based yogurt or olive oil, making it a great option for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad a go because it’s one of those refreshing, flavorful recipes that feels effortless yet wildly satisfying. It’s light, bright, and nourishing — perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
PrintCilantro Lime Quinoa Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad featuring protein-rich quinoa, white beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad is dairy-free, vegan, and packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cucumber, chopped
Dressing
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 scallion
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup plant-based yogurt or olive oil
- Juice and zest of two limes
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, typically by boiling it in water for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Allow it to cool completely before using in the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh cilantro, scallion, minced garlic, plant-based yogurt or olive oil, lime juice and zest, and maple syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a tangy and vibrant dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, rinsed and drained white beans, finely diced red onion, and chopped cucumber. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute them.
- Add the dressing: Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss everything thoroughly until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve or chill: The salad can be served immediately for a fresh taste or chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Enjoy it as a nutritious, vegan-friendly meal or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute white beans with chickpeas or black beans for variety.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, use plant-based yogurt instead of olive oil.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Adjust the number of garlic cloves based on your taste preference.
- Adding avocado or cherry tomatoes can add extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cilantro lime quinoa salad, vegan quinoa salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, protein-packed salad, plant-based salad