Lauren Kelly Nutrition

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Quinoa Avocado Tomato and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

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This 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.  This might be my favorite of all my quinoa recipes.  And I have a lot of them!

Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette,. This is a HUGE crowd pleaser! #vegan #glutenfree

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.

What happens when you put all of these nutrition powerhouses together??? One delicious, healthy salad!

For the salad:

  • 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups water
  • Two 15-ounce cans BPA-FREE black beans, rinsed and drained
  • One box (14 oz) of frozen organic corn, defrosted
  • 2 avocados, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1-2 pints grape tomatoes, halved ( I used 1 1/2)
  1. Cook quinoa with the water according to package directions. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Combine beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes. Toss with cooled quinoa.

For the dressing:

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • zest of one lime
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  •  salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh packed cilantro leaves (optional if you don’t like cilantro)
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.   Pour dressing over salad.  Let refrigerate for several hours or even overnight.  Makes 8 servings.  Enjoy, it really is THAT good! 🙂
I always like to keep a separate bottle of this dressing in the refrigerator for salads, roasted vegetables, you name it!

Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette,. This is a HUGE crowd pleaser! #vegan #glutenfree

adapted from allrecipes.com

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/8 of salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 298 Calories from Fat 147
Total Fat 16.4g
Saturated Fat 1.9g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 53mg
Total Carbohydrates 36.5g
Dietary Fiber 7.6g
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 7.2g

*Nutritional information provided by www.caloriecount.com, not 100% guaranteed accurate

Hope you enjoy!  Thanks for stopping by, come back soon~

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Comments

  3. Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn. This is a very neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

    Reply

  4. My boyfriend and enjoyed your recipe for lunch today–I just added chicken on top to add more protein. Thank you; it was delicious! 🙂

    Reply

    • I love hearing that Nikki! This is usually my favorite to take to parties too! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

      Reply

  10. Hey this looks delicious! I’m going to make some for work next week! How long will it keep in the fridge?

    Reply

  11. Needs a bit more “kick”, and would be great. As it is, the recipe is okay. Just a little bland. Would love to hear what others have added to make this great.

    Reply

    • Hi Michelle! I am sorry you thought it was bland. I think the cilantro and lime give this lots of flavor, I am not sure what you think it was lacking, but I would love to hear some suggestions! Thank you!

      Reply

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