Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Elevate your lunch or dinner routine with this vibrant Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado—a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. This recipe combines fluffy quinoa, protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a pop of freshness from cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime and cumin dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is not only quick and easy but also incredibly nutritious, packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. Whether you're looking for a light main course, a colorful side dish, or a meal prep favorite, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Perfectly suited for summer picnics, meal prepping, or a wholesome weeknight meal, this quinoa salad is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

13 items

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup black beans, cooked and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

📝 Instructions

9 steps

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.

6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lime to brighten the flavor.

9. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (377.1g)

Calories		337
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		19.2 g	25%
	Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		312 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate		37.0 g	13%
	Dietary Fiber	9.4 g	34%
	Total Sugars	5.7 g
Protein		9.0 g	18%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		63 mg	5%
Iron		3.0 mg	17%
Potassium		750 mg	16%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 696 cal (48.6%%)

Protein: 144 cal (10.0%%)

Carbs: 592 cal (41.3%%)