Signature Recipe
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
A vibrant salad featuring quinoa, black beans, and a creamy avocado lime dressing.
If you’re on the lookout for a dish that bursts with flavor while also being nutritious, look no further than this vibrant salad. It’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes, bringing together the wholesome goodness of quinoa and black beans with the fresh pop of cherry tomatoes. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a wave of freshness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
The star of this dish, quinoa, is not just a beautiful grain; it’s a powerhouse packed with protein and fiber. Cooking it to perfection is a simple endeavor, requiring just a few minutes of simmering in water until it becomes fluffy and aromatic. This step creates a wonderful base for our salad, allowing all the other ingredients to shine alongside it.
As you prepare this colorful creation, the addition of black beans brings a hearty richness that complements the lightness of the quinoa. Their creamy texture and earthy flavor create a delicious contrast, making the salad not only filling but also incredibly satisfying. Toss in sweet cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor, and you’ll find that every forkful is a celebration of freshness.
To elevate this dish even further, we drench it in a creamy avocado lime dressing that adds a luscious finish. The combination of ripe avocados blended with zesty lime juice creates a smooth and tangy dressing that ties all the elements together perfectly. It’s a simple yet indulgent touch that transforms this salad into a standout meal, perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish at dinner.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Serving four, it’s ideal for sharing with family or friends. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a salad that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing!
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup corn (cooked)
- 1 medium red onion (diced)
- 1 medium avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Steps
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a blender, combine avocado, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- A vibrant salad featuring quinoa, black beans, and a creamy avocado lime dressing.