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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

    Published: Mar 30, 2022 · Modified: Jan 7, 2025 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette is so simple to make, delicious and loaded with plant based protein!

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

    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.

    Looking for more healthy quinoa salad recipes? Check out this Caprese Quinoa Salad and Spiralized Beet Quinoa Salad.

    All of these would be even more yummy with some Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate, Apple Chai Latte, Eggnog Latte and definitely some Spiked Apple Cider!

    Why You Should Make This Quinoa Black Bean Salad

    This recipe is 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.

    Fun fact- did you know that avocados have more potassium than bananas? They do!

    Avocados are also packed with fiber, 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 plant-based protein as well. Tomatoes have antioxidants and Vitamin A and C in them. There are tons of vitamins and nutrients in this easy to make salad.

    Meal prep this salad at the beginning of the week to have for lunch or dinner for the week. It saves so much time and prevents from mindless overeating.

    I will make a batch of this quinoa salad and divide it into 6 individual servings to make life easier.

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    Can I freeze this quinoa 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 quinoa 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.Pin

    Related Recipes

    Caprese Quinoa Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Spiralized Beet Quinoa Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Favorite Quinoa Salad from Cookie and Kate

    Sweet Potato Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Bowl from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Please feel free to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! Thanks for stopping by!

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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 18 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 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes 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: 40g | 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. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

      March 18, 2016 at 3:21 am

      Can't wait to try this salad!!! all of my favorite things!

      Reply
    2. Christie

      March 16, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      I love using grape seed oil in my dressings -great recipe!

      Reply
    3. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee

      March 16, 2016 at 12:13 am

      This is such a delicious salad. I love quinoa!

      Reply
    4. Robin

      August 19, 2015 at 7:16 pm

      So amazingly bright and delicious...we completely devoured it last night! Thank you!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        August 19, 2015 at 9:04 pm

        I am so glad you liked this Robin, it's one of my favorites!

        Reply
    5. Michelle

      August 17, 2015 at 2:25 am

      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
      • lauren.kelly

        August 17, 2015 at 12:20 pm

        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
    6. Andrea A

      August 14, 2014 at 2:28 am

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

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        August 14, 2014 at 11:53 am

        Hi Andrea! This should last up to 4 days in the refrigerator! Thanks so much, I hope you like it!

        Reply
    7. Nikki

      July 06, 2014 at 1:18 pm

      I took this to a party yesterday and everyone loved it!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        July 06, 2014 at 2:51 pm

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

        Reply
    8. Chrissy

      June 30, 2014 at 1:22 pm

      This looks wonderful! I have quinoa but I'm still a little intimidated by it!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        July 04, 2014 at 11:14 am

        Don't be Chrissy! I promise it's super easy to make. And this salad is my FAVORITE! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Becca from ItsYummi!

      March 23, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      This salad looks beyond delicious, Lauren! Pinned and shared 🙂

      Reply
      • lauren

        March 23, 2014 at 9:18 pm

        Thank you so much Becca! XO

        Reply
    10. Elayne

      February 04, 2014 at 3:23 am

      Hi - any suggestions if I don't have grape seed oil? Is there a good substitute oil? Thanks!

      Reply
    11. Kim - Liv Life

      January 18, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      I'm loving everything about this recipe!! All my husband's favorite flavors all in one bowl. Perfect!

      Reply
      • lauren

        January 18, 2014 at 5:00 pm

        Thanks so much, I hope you like it 🙂

        Reply
    12. Heatherzilla

      January 16, 2014 at 11:02 pm

      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
      • lauren

        January 16, 2014 at 11:05 pm

        I am so happy to her that! I really love this one too 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    13. atv

      May 04, 2012 at 4:05 am

      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
    14. Michelle Lawrence DeLalio

      April 20, 2012 at 5:41 am

      Thanks, my boys were intrigued by the "seed salad" 🙂 My husband and I really liked it.

      Reply
    15. Lesley

      April 10, 2012 at 10:29 am

      Looks great! I love all those ingredients:)

      Reply
    Newer Comments »
    5 from 18 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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