Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Cilantro and Lime

I've always heard that mosquitos bite the sweetest people. I guess that means I must be the sweetest person. This past weekend I went to a little outdoor party in Syracuse. I could tell I was getting eaten alive bitten, but I had no idea just how bad it was. Turns out, I got bitten nearly two dozen times.

You know that feeling when you have a really, really want to scratch a bug bite? Yeah, I have that feeling over my whole body.

Since I'm too lazy to actually go and buy that great stuff for bug bites, I took my mind off them by making a delicious quinoa and black bean salad.

This salad is super refreshing for summer. Plus, it's crazy healthy. It's loaded with fiber, protein, and fresh veggies.

I ate the salad with some warmed pita, but I think it would be excellent served with some grilled chicken or fish, or atop some fresh lettuce.

Craving Quinoa?

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

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Quinoa and White Bean Burgers

Quinoa with Balsamic Roasted Eggplant and Portobello Mushrooms

Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Cilantro and Lime

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 1 and 1/2 cups water
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small tomato - about 1 cup, diced
  • 3/4 cup avocado, diced into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup green onions, minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • salt and pepper

Method

1. In a medium pot, place 1 and 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in quinoa and set heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes covered, or until all the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with fork, and let cool.

2. Meanwhile, prepare veggies and toss everything into a large bowl. When quinoa has cooled, add it as well. Stir well. Salad can be eaten immediately, but it is best served chilled.