Happy Monday and happy OFFICIAL start of summer, y’all! Even though summer technically started last week, we’re kicking it off with this Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad!
That’s right, friend. CHILI MANGO. Is there anything better???
Nope, those little yellow matchsticks in the photo below are not french fries (although that would be interesting…hmm…). They’re sweet and spicy chili mango goodness topping off this delicious zesty quinoa salad!
That might not speak volumes to you, but chili mango brings all the childhood memories for me. Being half latin, chili mango candy was a big part of my life! Maybe that was just a thing for everyone in the 90’s….not sure. Either way, it’s safe to say I’m pretty excited about this chili mango thing!
Oh yes, and the zesty quinoa salad thing, too 😉 Of course!
Make this Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad in 30 minutes or less!
I mean, how else are summer salads done? Quick, easy, and perfect for lunch at the pool!
This Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad is bringing you all the flavor, nutrition, and refreshing feels. It’s one of my new faves! It can also be turned into a jar salad to take on the go (see the Central American Salad In A Jar recipe for ideas on how to layer jar salads). All you need are a few mason jars, a picnic cooler, and you’re good to go!
Want to meal prep this recipe for easy lunches at work this week? It’ll last in the fridge for about 3 days!
Here’s how to make this Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad:
Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa, dry
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup black beans, canned
- 1/4 cup corn, canned
- 10 grape tomatoes
- 1 mango
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 avocado
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to directions.
- While the quinoa is cooking, chop the spinach, slice the tomatoes, cut the mango and avocado.
- Once the quinoa has finished cooking, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl except for the mango, chili powder, cayenne, and avocado.
- Top each salad with slices of avocado and mango, sprinkled with chili powder and cayenne.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Ryan says
I always pin these insanely heathly bowls, but hardly ever make them. I tried this one and it is a weekly staple on our family menu. I used basil instead of spinach, and added siracha. Just fantastic!
Christine McMichael says
I’m so glad to hear that, Ryan! Love that this is a new weekly staple for you guys! 🙂
Shelly says
Can you substitute something else for the mango?
Christine McMichael says
Hi, Shelly! I think pineapple would also be great in this recipe as a mango substitution. You could also omit the mango completely and add the spices directly to the salad. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Natalie says
There’s no dressing on this salad, what could u recommend.
Thanks!
Rachel says
I’m going to make this salad tonight and use the spicy avocado dressing from this site (all the dressings are vegan): http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2013/07/15-vegan-salad-dressing-recipes.html — I will just replace the avocado in the salad with something else like radishes or roasted sweet potatoes. 🙂
Christine McMichael says
I like using a little bit of olive oil and salt! An avocado based dressing would be delicious, too. Enjoy the recipe! 🙂
tBone says
i would also toss the first ingrediants with olive oil salt pepper and maybe a squeeze of fresh lime, add the mango etc