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Healthy High-Protein Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Easy Lime Dressing Recipe

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A light yet substantial salad combining nutty quinoa and creamy black beans with a bright lime dressing, perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup (60g) fresh corn kernels (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (30g) red onion, finely diced
  • Juice of 2 medium limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve and drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups (475ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  5. While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, finely chop red onion and cilantro, and cut corn kernels off the cob if using.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
  8. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  10. Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If salad seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or extra lime juice. Cooking quinoa with a pinch of salt enhances flavor. Dressing is best fresh but can be stored in fridge and shaken before use. For nuttier flavor, toast quinoa lightly before cooking. Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days but is not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, black bean salad, high protein salad, lime dressing, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/healthy-high-protein-quinoa-and-black-bean-salad-easy-lime-dressing-recipe/