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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Quinoa Power Bowl Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Dressing

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A vibrant and nourishing quinoa power bowl featuring cowboy caviar, creamy avocado, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (about 150g) fresh corn kernels or thawed frozen corn
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup (40g) red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large fresh avocado, diced or mashed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed (about 10g), chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Place 1 cup rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan with 2 cups (480ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the veggies and beans: While quinoa cooks, drain and rinse black beans. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, and finely chop red onion. Prepare corn kernels if using fresh or thaw frozen corn.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mash half of the avocado into the dressing for creamy texture. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
  4. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Finish with avocado and cilantro: Dice the remaining half of the avocado and gently fold it into the salad along with the rest of the cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  6. Serve immediately or chill: Serve right away or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Use ripe but firm avocado for best dressing texture. Fluff quinoa with a fork after cooking to avoid clumping. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Dressing can be adjusted to taste; avoid overdressing to keep flavors balanced. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep avocado fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, cowboy caviar, cilantro lime dressing, healthy lunch, vegan, gluten-free, power bowl, avocado, black beans, easy recipe