Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
Quinoa and black bean salad is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's packed with protein and fiber, and the roasted red pepper dressing adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness. This salad is also Whole30-compliant, so it's a great option for those following the Whole30 diet.
Quinoa and black bean salad is a relatively new dish, but it has quickly become a favorite among health-conscious eaters. The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a complete protein, and the addition of roasted red peppers, red onion, and cilantro adds flavor and texture. The salad is typically dressed with a simple vinaigrette, but you can also use a creamy dressing like Greek yogurt or avocado ranch.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for non-Whole30 version)
2 tablespoons Whole30-compliant salad dressing (see recipe below)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, black beans, red onion, cilantro, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese (if using).
Drizzle with the salad dressing and toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or chill for later.
Why It Works
The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a complete protein.
The roasted red peppers add sweetness and smokiness to the salad.
The red onion and cilantro add flavor and texture.
The salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette, which allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.