Plant-based•lunch•beginner

Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Name: Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Plant-based
Ingredients: 200g quinoa, rinsed; 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 200g cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, finely chopped; 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 limes, juiced; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 avocado, diced (for garnish); 4 lime wedges (for garnish)

A vibrant, zesty salad where nutty quinoa meets earthy black beans, all uplifted by a burst of citrus.

VegetarianVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Bowl of Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad garnished with lime and avocado.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

25 min

Total Time

40 min

Servings

Imagine a dish that dances on your palate, merging the earthy notes of black beans with the nutty essence of quinoa, all while infused with a citrusy burst that awakens the senses. This Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad is not just a meal; it's a vibrant journey through a garden of flavor. Each forkful is a mosaic of color and texture, harmoniously balanced to nourish both body and spirit. It's a dish that exemplifies the beauty of plant-based cuisine, a perfect creation that serves not just as a meal, but as an ode to the art of healthy eating. It is a symphony of ingredients, each playing its unique part, all coming together to create a masterpiece that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. This salad is more than just food; it's a statement of intent, a declaration that delicious can be synonymous with nutritious.

Ingredients

The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet sublime ingredients, each bringing forward its inherent flavors to create a dish that is more than the sum of its parts.

200g quinoa, rinsed
1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
200g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium orange bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
4 lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Embark on your culinary quest to create this garden-fresh masterpiece by following these steps, each one leading you closer to a delightful dining experience.

1
Cook quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine cooled quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create the zesty dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
5
Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving.
6
Garnish each serving with a lime wedge for an extra citrus flair.

Chef's Tip

For an extra touch of zest, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a playful kick.

Fun Fact

Did you know that quinoa is not truly a grain, but a seed from a plant related to spinach? This ancient 'pseudo-cereal' has been nourishing civilizations for thousands of years!

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