Description
A colorful and nutritious quinoa and black bean salad that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: A nutritious grain that is gluten-free and packed with protein. It acts as the base for the salad.
- Black Beans: High in fiber and protein, they add a delicious earthiness to the salad. Canned black beans work perfectly for convenience.
- Bell Peppers: Sweet and crunchy, they provide a fresh taste and vibrant color. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for variety.
- Red Onion: Finely diced to give a zesty flavor. You can soak it in water to mellow out the taste if desired.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a substitute.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy dressing that brightens up the entire salad.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps to emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste, bringing all the flavors together.
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then cook it according to package instructions. Typically, this is achieved by bringing 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa to a boil, then simmering until the water is absorbed and the grains are fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans in a sieve. Set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: chop the bell peppers and red onion, and finely chop the fresh cilantro.
- Once the quinoa has cooked, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your healthy, flavorful quinoa and black bean salad!
Notes
- Rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.
- Fresh lime juice elevates the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Cold salad
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa salad, black bean salad, healthy salad