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Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Close-up of a vibrant cilantro lime quinoa salad featuring black beans, corn, red pepper, and red onion.
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This Mexican inspired quinoa salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for meal preparation. It combines fluffy quinoa with black beans, corn, and a bright cilantro lime dressing for a quick, healthy lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large avocado, diced (add just before serving)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa well under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread it onto a baking sheet to cool quickly.
  4. While the quinoa cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This makes it great for easy quinoa meal prep.
  8. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. Serve this refreshing cold salad immediately.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. The longer it sits, the more the lime dressing soaks into the quinoa.
  • If you are making this ahead for meal prep, store the avocado separately and add it right before you eat to prevent browning.
  • You can substitute white beans for black beans for a different texture in this protein packed quinoa bowl.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/cilantro-lime-quinoa-salad-recipe/