Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa Salad

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, it’s 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 delicious—serve it fresh or chilled for a refreshing, meal-prep-friendly option that’s sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, it’s a wholesome recipe that proves eating healthy can taste amazing!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Once cooked, remove the quinoa from heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4

While the quinoa cools, drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 5

Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the red bell pepper and red onion into small, even pieces. Chop the fresh cilantro finely.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preference.

Step 10

Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for an even more refreshing flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1521.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1389.8

Total Fat 58.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3636.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 49.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 301.3mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 1049.4mg	0%

*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: 37.4%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 48.6%