Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that bursts with flavor? Dive into the world of our Tomato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad—a delightful Mexican-inspired recipe that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion! With its colorful ingredients and zesty lime dressing, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you're planning a picnic, a light lunch, or a side dish for dinner, this refreshing salad is sure to impress your guests and keep you coming back for more. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove its natural bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion.
- Chop fresh cilantro and juice the lime, ensuring no seeds fall into the mixture.
- Add black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the cooled quinoa.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste in your salad.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: For best results, allow the quinoa to rest covered after cooking. This helps it become fluffy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients such as avocado, corn, or bell peppers to give your salad an extra twist and boost its nutritional value.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can be convenient, but fresh juice adds a vibrant zing that elevates the dish.
- Serve It Right: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for warm days or as a refreshing side at barbecues.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
