Easy Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe (Oil-free, High Protein)

5 from 3 votes

Easy Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe (Oil-free, High Protein)

Looking for a delicious and healthy meal option? Try this easy black bean quinoa salad recipe that is packed with protein (13 grams per serving!) and flavor. Perfect for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner!

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beans, black beans, canned beans, high protein, high protein vegan salad, lime, mango, oil-free, oil-free salad, quinoa

Servings: servings

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed)
1.75 cups water
1 15 ounce can no salt added black beans
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup diced mango (from 1 medium-large mango)
2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup (see notes for options)
1 teaspoon ground allspice (or ground ginger)
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 large avocado, pitted, and diced
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (see notes for options)
salt and black pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Transfer quinoa to large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
Add the chopped bell pepper, black beans, mango, lime zest, lime juice, maple syrup, allspice and hot sauce to the cooled quinoa. Gently toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Gently toss in the avocado and cilantro just before serving. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to 48 hours.

Notes

- Storage: The completed salad can be covered and chilled for up to 1 day. For longer term meal prep (up to 4 days in an airtight container or containers in the fridge), combine everything except the mango, avocado and cilantro. Add the remaining three items just before eating.
- Spice options: If you do not want the spices, omit them. You can also swap either the allspice for other sweet spices, such as ginger, or for savory spies such as cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika or ground coriander.
- Maple syrup options: An equal amount of agave nectar can be used in place of the agave nectar. You can also use coconut sugar.
- Bean options: Use any beans you prefer, such as pinto beans, white beans, red beans, kidney beans, or garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
- Cilantro Options: An equal amount of fresh mint leaves or fresh parsley leaves can be used place of the cilantro leaves.

Nutrition