healthy quinoa salad recipe with corn and tomatoes

Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe

Share & Save for later!

This black bean and quinoa recipe is the perfect fresh and flavorful meal. Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the goodness of quinoa with the heartiness of black beans, creating a delicious salad that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re exploring new quinoa recipes or looking for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner option, this dish is a must-try. The combination of sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime perfectly complements the earthy flavors of black beans and quinoa, creating a burst of taste in every bite.

This black bean quinoa salad recipe is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Impress your guests with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, or enjoy it as a quick and healthy meal on busy weeknights. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it’s a guilt-free choice that caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyles. Simple ingredients come together to create a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe with corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and red onion in a white dish with a side of avocado and salsa

This quinoa black bean salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Enjoy a hearty meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The perfect blend of fresh flavors and whole foods makes it a satisfying choice for any occasion.

Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe Ingredients

Get ready to savor the freshness! This healthy side dish is bursting with flavor thanks to a vibrant mix of simple, fresh ingredients.

  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 1 – 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green or red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup corn
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Dressing Ingredients:

  • ​1 lime, juiced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • salt and black pepper to taste
individual ingredients for Black Bean and Quinoa salad wtih labels for each

Ingredients Tips

Quinoa: A complete protein powerhouse! This ancient grain boasts a full profile of essential amino acids, making it a fantastic plant-based protein source.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy

For the cup of quinoa, you can use leftover quinoa from a previous recipe, or make new. Check out my step-by-step instructions for how to cook quinoa on the stove for all of your superfood quinoa salads. Whether you opt for white quinoa, red quinoa, or a tricolor variety of quinoa, you simply need one cup of it cooked and ready to go for this recipe. You can make a large batch in advance and meal prep, or cook a small batch for this recipe alone. Packed with protein and nutrients, quinoa is a versatile base for countless dishes.

For the corn – Use fresh corn for peak sweetness, canned corn for convenience (drained), or frozen corn for year-round enjoyment (thawed ).

Feel free to use either halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes in this recipe. Both work well and add a burst of fresh flavor.

Before getting started, rinse the black beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium and impurities. A fine mesh strainer makes this step super easy.

How to Make a Healthy Southwest Quinoa Salad

First, combine the cooked quinoa and the hearty black beans in a large bowl.

drained black beans and cooked quinoa

Next, add the diced red onion.

diced red onions in bowl with black beans and tricolor quinoa

Then add the fresh cilantro.

chopped cilantro in glass dish adding to bowl

Add the bell peppers. You can use green, red, or yellow bell peppers.

diced green bell pepper to large bowl with other ingredients

Next, add the corn to the bowl.

yellow corn going into bowl with peppers beans and onions

Then add the tomatoes.

red sliced tomatoes adding into bowl

Next, use a wooden spoon to gently stir the ingredients to combine.

stir black bean quinoa salad ingredients with wooden spoon

​Set the bowl aside to make the quinoa salad dressing. In a separate smaller bowl combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine. 

brown dressing liquid in glass bowl with wire whisk

Pour the simple homemade dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

pour lime dressing into bowl with Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe

Easy Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This black bean and quinoa salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Enjoy it as a main dish, a hearty side, or a quick lunch. Serve with avocado, salsa, or a side of grain-free tortilla chips.

healthy quinoa black bean salad with fresh vegetables in a white dish

This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The fluffy quinoa grains pair perfectly with tender black beans and fresh vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for a satisfying lunch the next day.

close up of quinoa salad with corn, tomatoes, and black beans

The best part of this recipe? Its versatility! Enjoy it immediately for a fresh and light meal, or let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for even more depth. Serve over a bed of greens, alongside grilled chicken or fish, or simply on its own. This healthy quinoa recipe is a fantastic base for countless meal ideas.

southwest quinoa salad in white bowl with tomatoes and a side of sliced avocado

This black bean and quinoa recipe will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy meal.

colorful quinoa salad in bowl

This black bean and quinoa salad is best served chilled. The refreshing flavors of the fresh vegetables shine when cold. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, it’s still delicious.

healthy colorful quinoa salad

More healthy quinoa salad recipes:

Mexican Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe

Black Bean and Quinoa Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Easy, healthy black bean quinoa recipe packed with fresh flavor. Sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, and zesty lime make the best quinoa salad.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 1 - 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green or red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup corn
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Dressing Ingredients

  • ​1 lime, juiced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, chopped cilantro, diced red onion and bell peppers, corn, and halved tomatoes. Stir to combine and set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.
  3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa black bean salad and toss to combine.
  4. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 308Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 518mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 12gSugar: 8gProtein: 13g

nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on products/ingredients used.

Share & Save for later!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *