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Quinoa Black Bean Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This vibrant Quinoa Black Bean Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Combining protein-rich quinoa and black beans with fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing, it’s both flavorful and satisfying. Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is a wholesome gluten-free and vegetarian option that’s easy to customize and enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad

  • 3 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped, about 2/3 cup)
  • ¼ cup red onion (chopped)
  • 3 stalks scallions (chopped)
  • 1 ripe avocado (sliced into cubes)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a jar or small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, fresh lime juice, maple syrup, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk well until the ingredients are fully emulsified to create a tangy and flavorful dressing.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, corn, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, scallions, and diced avocado. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro or parsley over the top.
  3. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat with the dressing, being careful not to mash the avocado. Serve immediately for a fresh, lively salad.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked quinoa for best texture, or prep quinoa in advance and chill.
  • Rinsing canned black beans helps reduce sodium and removes excess starch.
  • Avocado can be added just before serving to avoid browning.
  • This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
  • Feel free to substitute cilantro with parsley based on preference.
  • Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if preferred.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/quinoa-black-bean-salad-recipe/