Description
Mexican black bean quinoa salad balances protein-packed ingredients with zesty lime dressing. Crisp vegetables and hearty grains create a nutritious meal perfect for light lunches or refreshing dinners you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Quinoa Preparation: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until grains become light and fluffy, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, aromatic emulsion that will elevate the salad’s flavor profile.
- Salad Assembly: Combine cooled quinoa with black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring each component is evenly coated with the vibrant sauce.
- Final Touch and Serving: Gently fold in avocado chunks, being careful not to mash the delicate fruit. Allow the salad to rest for a few minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing, nutrient-packed meal that showcases a symphony of textures and tastes.
Notes
- Perfect Quinoa Texture: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitter saponin coating and ensure fluffy, light grains that separate easily.
- Balanced Dressing Technique: Taste and adjust dressing ratios gradually; add lime juice and honey incrementally to achieve harmonious sweet-tangy balance without overpowering other ingredients.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: Add avocado just before serving to maintain bright green color and prevent oxidation, preserving fresh appearance and delicate texture.
- Enhance Protein Content: Optional protein boosters like grilled chicken, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crumbled feta can transform this salad into a more substantial meal for increased nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg