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.
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
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!
Absolutely! You can add rotisserie chicken, sliced steak or even shrimp.
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.
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
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Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
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.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Can't wait to try this salad!!! all of my favorite things!
Christie
I love using grape seed oil in my dressings -great recipe!
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee
This is such a delicious salad. I love quinoa!
Robin
So amazingly bright and delicious...we completely devoured it last night! Thank you!
lauren.kelly
I am so glad you liked this Robin, it's one of my favorites!
Michelle
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.
lauren.kelly
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!
Andrea A
Hey this looks delicious! I'm going to make some for work next week! How long will it keep in the fridge?
lauren.kelly
Hi Andrea! This should last up to 4 days in the refrigerator! Thanks so much, I hope you like it!
Nikki
I took this to a party yesterday and everyone loved it!
lauren.kelly
I love hearing that Nikki! This is usually my favorite to take to parties too! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Chrissy
This looks wonderful! I have quinoa but I'm still a little intimidated by it!
lauren.kelly
Don't be Chrissy! I promise it's super easy to make. And this salad is my FAVORITE! 🙂
Becca from ItsYummi!
This salad looks beyond delicious, Lauren! Pinned and shared 🙂
lauren
Thank you so much Becca! XO
Elayne
Hi - any suggestions if I don't have grape seed oil? Is there a good substitute oil? Thanks!
Kim - Liv Life
I'm loving everything about this recipe!! All my husband's favorite flavors all in one bowl. Perfect!
lauren
Thanks so much, I hope you like it 🙂
Heatherzilla
My boyfriend and enjoyed your recipe for lunch today--I just added chicken on top to add more protein. Thank you; it was delicious! 🙂
lauren
I am so happy to her that! I really love this one too 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
atv
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.
Michelle Lawrence DeLalio
Thanks, my boys were intrigued by the "seed salad" 🙂 My husband and I really liked it.
Lesley
Looks great! I love all those ingredients:)