Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads- quinoa layered with a cumin lime dressing, black beans, corn, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Perfect to prep for delicious and healthy lunches during the week! (vegan + gluten-free)

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads | Making Thyme for Health

Just like overnight oats, I’m about 1,000 years late to the Mason Jar Salad Party. Except this time, I don’t have a good excuse.

I have tons of Mason Jars that have been sitting pretty in my cabinet for years and, as most of you know, there are plenty of recipe ideas out there to choose from. Actually that’s probably why I waited so long. I think I was avoiding making them because everyone else was doing it. Sometimes you just gotta give in and go with the flow.

Okay, that might not be the best advice in every circumstance but it in this case it makes sense. The jars are super convenient for meal prepping and I love how portable they are too. Whoever originally thought of this idea deserves at least 5 fist bump emojis. And maybe a few of the praising hands too. ;)

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads | Making Thyme for Health

So yeah, I’m sure you can find a very similar recipe out there somewhere but I’m going to ignore that little voice in my head for now and share my version with you anyway.

Most of you know by now how obsessed I am with Mexican food so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see that’s what I chose to stuff the jars with. It starts with a layer of fluffy quinoa soaked in a dressing made from a mixture of cumin, cilantro, lime and jalapeño. Then that gets layered with antioxidant-packed black beans, sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, green onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes. OMG SO MUCH YUM.

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads | Making Thyme for Health

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads | Making Thyme for Health

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads

Southwestern Quinoa Salad Jar _

It took me about 35 minutes to make all 4 salads which I personally think is well worth the time. I mean that’s practically a weeks worth of healthy lunches made and ready-to-eat. 

If you’re feeling extra special, you can serve each salad with half of an avocado diced on top. That’s my favorite way to eat them and it’s honestly so good that I crave it.

I’m telling you, healthy food has never been more convenient or delicious. I know you guys are going to love them. Enjoy!

Southwestern Quinoa Salad Jar_

 

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads

Yield: 4 (16 ounce) salads

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 bell peppers, cored and diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 3 green onions, diced
  • diced avocado for serving (optional)

Cumin-Lime Dressing

  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1/2 cup lime juice (approx. 4 limes)
  • 1 garlic clove (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, until all of the water has absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat, cover with a lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blending until smooth.

Once the quinoa has cooled, divide it evenly between 4 (16 ounce) jars. Pour 1/4th the dressing into each jar and gently stir to combine. Next layer the black beans, corn, bell pepper, green onion and tomato on top. Seal with a lid and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, dump the salad out into a bowl and top with diced avocado (optional).

Nutrition Facts are for one (16 ounce) salad.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback! heart

Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads made with a delicious cumin-lime dressing! Perfect to prep for healthy lunches!