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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Quinoa Avocado Tomato and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

    Published: Mar 30, 2022 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Quinoa Avocado Tomato and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

    This Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette is one of those easy dinner ideas that can made in the morning, refrigerated and dinner is ready.  This is a healthier alternative to macaroni salad, potato salad or pasta salad that is packed with plant based protein and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

    Close up of quinoa black bean salad in a white bowl with the title above it.

    Why You Should Make This Quinoa Black Bean Salad

    I love this recipe so much.  It's quick, easy, healthy, gluten-free, wheat-free…. what's not to love?  It's just one of 300 recipes in my cookbook, The Everything Wheat-Free Diet Cookbook (and is available in all major bookstores 🙂 )

    Quinoa is the latest "superfood" these days.  I love it.  It's so versatile and can be used in so many different ways.  Quinoa is loaded with magnesium, iron and calcium.  It is the only grain to have all nine essential amino acids which also makes it the only one to be a complete protein.  It is low calorie, has a lot of fiber and is also gluten free which is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

    Avocados are packed with fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.  They also have monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) which help to lower blood cholesterol.

    Black beans are also packed with fiber and protein as well.  Tomatoes have antioxidants and Vitamin A and C in them.

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    Can I freeze this quinoa black bean salad?

    While you definitely can freeze quinoa, I wouldn't recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables would get soggy. Let the cooked quinoa cool down completely, then transfer it to a resealable plastic bag. Press all the air out before sealing, then pat the quinoa into an even layer before freezing. Then when you are ready to make this salad you can defrost the quinoa and add everything else!

    Can I add some meat to this salad for added protein?

    Absolutely! You can add rotisserie chicken, sliced steak or even shrimp.

    Can I warm this salad up before serving?

    This salad is meant to be served cold, right out of the refrigerator. I haven't made this served warm but if you do, please come back and let me know.

    Vertical picture of quinoa salad in a white bowl close up.

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    Vertical picture of quinoa salad in a white bowl close up.

    Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

    This is a healthier alternative to macaroni salad, potato salad or pasta salad that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: brunch, dinner, lunch, Main Course, main dish, meatless, Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 300kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
    • 3 cups water or vegetable or chicken broth
    • 2 15 ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
    • 14 ounces frozen corn, defrosted
    • 2 avocados, peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
    • For the dressing:
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil
    • ¾ cup fresh ginger root, minced
    • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
    • zest from one lime
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook quinoa with water or broth according to instructions. Allow to cool to room temperature.
    • Combine beans, corn, avocado and tomatoes. Toss with cooled quinoa.
    • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad.
    • Let refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.

    Notes

    I always keep a bottle of this dressing in the refrigerator for other salads or roasted vegetables.
    Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
    The longer is stays in the refrigerator the more flavorful the salad will be.
    If you are making this salad ahead of time, it's always best to add the fresh, sliced avocado right before serving so the avocados don't turn brown.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 2146mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 993IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 7mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa

      August 04, 2022 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Wow - yum such a delicious side dish! I took it with me to my family BBQ this and it was a hit!

      Reply
    2. Kristyn

      August 04, 2022 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      I could eat this everyday! It's filling, healthy, & so tasty!! Love quinoa!

      Reply
    3. April

      August 04, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good! That vinaigrette totally makes it.

      Reply
    4. wilhelmina

      March 20, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is fabulous as a main dish, a side, leftover, whatever. Just amazing!

      Reply
    5. Valentina

      March 19, 2022 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      This quinoa avocado salad is so hearty, light, and refreshing! Love this dish for lunch!

      Reply
    6. Betsy

      March 19, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      Light & refreshing yet so wonderfully filling when I eat it as my main course! Easily a side dish or the main entree! So good!!

      Reply
    7. Katie

      July 10, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      The cilantro lime vinaigrette compliments this so well! I love the combination of all of these healthy ingredients.

      Reply
    8. Beth

      July 10, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe and so tasty! The vinaigrette was such a delicious combination! This was such a hit at our potluck too! Excited to make this again!

      Reply
    9. Lisalia

      July 10, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      Yesss! I'm here for this kind of dinner. Make it earlier in the day so that when the busy activity-filled evening hits, we're ready to eat healthy and well. Thanks for this yummy and so convenient quinoa dinner salad!

      Reply
    10. Maria

      July 07, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      What a wonderful, healthy recipe!

      Reply
    11. Ashley - Baker by Nature

      March 18, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Wow this looks so delicious!

      Reply
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