Quinoa Black Bean Salad (Print Version)

Protein-rich quinoa and black beans combine with fresh vegetables and lime dressing for a vibrant salad.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed

→ Legumes

02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
08 - 1 avocado, diced

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Juice of 2 limes
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Recipe Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro until evenly distributed.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving to preserve texture and color.
06 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes better the next day, which means less work and more flavor as the week goes on.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge or let it sit out, no reheating required.
  • Every bite feels filling without that heavy, sluggish feeling afterward.
02 -
  • If you add the avocado too early, it will turn brown and slimy within hours.
  • Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing or it will wilt the vegetables and make everything sad.
03 -
  • Make a double batch, it never lasts as long as you think it will.
  • If the quinoa tastes bland, you did not season the dressing enough, add more salt and lime.
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