Bright, colorful, and packed with nutrients, this Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch, a healthy side, or a light dinner. With fluffy quinoa as the base, itโs loaded with hearty black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp red bell pepper for a satisfying crunch. Fresh cilantro and a zesty lime-cumin dressing bring vibrant flavors and a touch of tanginess to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free and vegan salad is as versatile as it is deliciousโserve it fresh or chilled for a refreshing, meal-prep-friendly option thatโs sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, itโs a wholesome recipe that proves eating healthy can taste amazing!
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Once cooked, remove the quinoa from heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa cools, drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. Set aside.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the red bell pepper and red onion into small, even pieces. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preference.
Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for an even more refreshing flavor.
Calories |
1390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.4 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3637 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 171.0 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.5 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.2 g | ||
| Protein | 49.1 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 301 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1049 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.