Protein-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This protein-packed salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fiber, protein, and vitamins. It's also a great way to use up leftover quinoa and black beans. The salad is made with a combination of quinoa, black beans, red onion, green bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad, while the black beans add protein and fiber. The red onion and green bell pepper add a bit of crunch and sweetness, while the avocado adds a creamy richness. The cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil add a bright and flavorful dressing to the salad. This salad is a great option for a light lunch or dinner, and it can also be served as a side dish.
This salad was inspired by my travels to Mexico. I was eating a lot of tacos and burritos, and I wanted to create a salad that had the same flavors but was also healthy and filling. I started with a base of quinoa and black beans, and then I added some chopped red onion, green bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro. I dressed the salad with a simple lime juice and olive oil vinaigrette, and seasoned it with salt and black pepper. The salad was a hit with my family and friends, and I've been making it ever since.
Protein-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Protein-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Protein-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Protein-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped avocado
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, red onion, green bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix well to combine.
  3. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Why It Works
  • The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a hearty and protein-packed base for the salad.
  • The red onion and green bell pepper add a bit of crunch and sweetness to the salad.
  • The avocado adds a creamy richness to the salad.
  • The cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil add a bright and flavorful dressing to the salad.