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Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

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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!

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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

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.

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.

I also like to 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 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.Pin

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!

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 17 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. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

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

    Reply

  2. Christie

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

    Reply

  3. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee

    This is such a delicious salad. I love quinoa!

    Reply

  4. Robin

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

    Reply

    • lauren.kelly

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

      Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  6. Andrea A

    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

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

      Reply

  7. Nikki

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

    Reply

    • lauren.kelly

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

      Reply

  8. Chrissy

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

    Reply

    • lauren.kelly

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

      Reply

  9. Becca from ItsYummi!

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

    Reply

    • lauren

      Thank you so much Becca! XO

      Reply

  10. Elayne

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

    Reply

  11. Kim - Liv Life

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

    Reply

    • lauren

      Thanks so much, I hope you like it 🙂

      Reply

  12. 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! 🙂

    Reply

    • lauren

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

      Reply

  13. 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.

    Reply

  14. Michelle Lawrence DeLalio

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

    Reply

  15. Lesley

    Looks great! I love all those ingredients:)

    Reply
5 from 17 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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