Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 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.

Step 5

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

Step 6

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

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1659.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1726.7

Total Fat 87.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2452.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 200.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 20.7g
Protein 51.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 205.5mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2794.2mg	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: 43.9%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 44.6%