Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Elevate your taste buds with our Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette—a refreshing and protein-packed dish that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa, fiber-rich black beans, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. This vibrant salad offers a symphony of textures and flavors, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of nuttiness, creaminess, and citrusy brightness. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a delightful side, this salad is a celebration of nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Ingredients:

For Quinoa and Black Bean Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For Lime Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cooking Quinoa:

• Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool.

2. Preparing Salad Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.

3. Whisking Lime Vinaigrette:

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

4. Dressing the Salad:

• Pour the lime vinaigrette over the quinoa and black bean mixture.

5. Tossing and Refrigerating:

• Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Serving:

• Serve the Quinoa and Black Bean Salad chilled.

7. Enjoying the Nutrient-Rich Bliss:

• Dive into a bowl of Quinoa and Black Bean Salad, where the earthy quinoa, protein-packed black beans, and vibrant vegetables are harmoniously united by the zesty lime vinaigrette. Each forkful is a celebration of freshness and nutrition—a delightful journey for your palate and well-being.

This Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette is a nutritional powerhouse that brings together the best of grains, legumes, and vegetables. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome addition to your balanced diet. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite!