Easy Quinoa Black Bean Salad
- PREP 10min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 30min
Our quinoa black bean salad is hearty and delicious, thanks to its colorful veggies and bright and zesty dressing. Serve it alone or with a bit of extra protein on top. I love baked tofu or roasted shrimp!
You Will Need
For Salad
1 cup (190g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed (about 3 cups cooked)
2 cups water or broth, see our chicken broth or veggie broth
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed, or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (half small onion)
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup (100g) finely chopped red cabbage
2 medium ears corn, kernels cut off the cobs, 1 cup
1 (4oz) can Hatch green chili peppers, chopped
Optional: chopped avocado, crumbled feta, or queso fresco
For Dressing
3 tablespoons (44ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup (78g) extra virgin olive oil
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Directions
Combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook uncovered until the quinoa absorbs the liquid for 10 to 15 minutes.
Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for 5 minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and “fluff up.”
Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
In a large bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of black pepper together. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking until blended.
Add the quinoa, black beans, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, corn, and chili peppers. Toss to combine, and then season to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If the salad seems a little dry after a day or two, add an extra squeeze of lime juice and a slight drizzle of olive oil.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: This quinoa black bean salad lasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Over time, the color from the red cabbage seeps out into the salad (it looks quite pretty).
- Canned green chili peppers: These are often sold next to salsas in most grocery stores. There are a variety of brands, including Ortega, Old El Paso, and Hatch. When we can find it, we love the Hatch brand.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.