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+ servings
Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Vibrant Quinoa Black Bean Salad Loaded with Fresh Flavors

This Quinoa Black Bean Salad is a delightful mixture of flavors and colors, perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinsed well
  • 1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Cored and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions Sliced
  • 1/3 cup Cilantro Chopped
  • 1 medium Mango Peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 semi-firm but ripe Avocado Diced
For the Dressing
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil Extra-virgin recommended
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp Honey Substitute with maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger Fresh preferred
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • fine mesh strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water for 1-2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, black beans, broth, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Transfer quinoa to a large mixing bowl to cool, placing the bowl in the freezer for faster cooling if desired.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), cumin, ginger, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  5. In the large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, black beans, mango, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and avocado. Toss gently to mix ingredients.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients, keeping the avocado intact. Adjust salt if needed.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving, adding avocado just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 420mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best flavor, assemble the salad just before serving. Consider adding avocado to individual portions to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

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