Create a Delicious and Budget-Friendly Quinoa, Bean, and Veggie Salad

Introduction to Our Budget-Friendly Salad

For this salad, we are ditching the bed of lettuce and bringing together a medley of delicious, nutrient-packed vegetables and beans (many of which you may already have in your pantry or fridge!) to complement the key ingredient: quinoa, a protein and fiber powerhouse that is the shining star of this recipe. With almost 30 grams of protein, 23 grams of fiber per serving, and just $3.05 per salad, you can enjoy this satisfying, flavorful salad knowing it can be good for your tastebuds, digestive system, and wallet (recipe costed out using Walmart© prices).

Key Ingredients for a Nutritious Salad

This salad features quinoa, beans, and a variety of vegetables, creating a nutrient-dense meal that’s both affordable and delicious.

Step-by-Step Preparation Tips

• Finely chop your vegetables: Bite-sized vegetables just seem to be more appealing and satisfying when mixed together in one big bowl! I find that no matter the salad I’m making at home, it’s easier to enjoy chunky vegetables and vegetables with big, bold flavors (hello onions!) when they are chopped into itty bitty pieces.

• Roast your chickpeas for an extra crunch: If you aren’t crazy about a regular chickpea texture, try roasting your chickpeas in the oven or airfryer. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and pat dry with a paper towel. Place chickpeas on a pan or in your airfryer, and toss in a chili-lime seasoning or sprinkle with paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Air-fry or bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F or until crunchy.

Customizing Your Quinoa, Bean, and Veggie Salad

Make it your own by adding your own favorite vegetables to this quinoa-bean-veggie salad. Some great additions could be green chiles, finely diced roma tomatoes, or even persian cucumbers to bring some freshness to the mix. The great thing about salads is that you get to choose which vegetables to add, making it a salad you will actually eat.

If your goal is to increase your vegetable intake, this is the perfect salad for you. Packed with vegetables and beans that are full of nutrients and fiber, mixed with the citrusy tang of the chili-lime dressing, this salad is bound to become a work-lunch sensation or a regular on the dinner rotation. 

Share Your Salad Creations!

We’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Share your customized quinoa, bean, and veggie salad creations in the comments below and don’t forget to include your photos!

Recipe Credit

Salad recipe adapted from @emily.eats.things on Instagram.

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