Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Mango and Lime

This quinoa and black bean salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the black beans add protein and fiber. The mango and lime add a touch of sweetness and acidity, and the red onion and cilantro provide a bit of crunch and freshness. This salad is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish.

The inspiration for this salad came to me on a hot summer day when I was looking for something light and refreshing to eat. I had some leftover quinoa and black beans in the fridge, and I decided to combine them with some fresh mango and lime. The result was a delicious salad that was both satisfying and refreshing. I've been making this salad ever since, and it has become a favorite of mine and my family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup black beans, canned or cooked
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.
2. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
3. Combine the quinoa, black beans, mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil in a large bowl.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss to combine and serve.

Why It Works

• The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a good balance of protein and fiber.
• The mango and lime add a touch of sweetness and acidity, which helps to brighten up the salad.
• The red onion and cilantro add a bit of crunch and freshness, which helps to keep the salad from being too heavy.
• This salad is easy to make and can be served as a main course or a side dish.