Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
- PREP 10min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 30min
Thanks to a variety of colorful vegetables and a bright and zesty dressing, this black bean salad with quinoa is hearty and delicious. Enjoy this salad as a side or as a main dish. The salad will keep for a few days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Over time, you may find that the color from the red cabbage seeps out into the salad (it actually looks quite pretty).
You Will Need
1 cup (190 grams) uncooked quinoa, rinsed (about 3 cups cooked)
2 cups water or stock (see our chicken stock or veggie broth)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder, or more to taste, see our homemade blend
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (half small onion)
1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1 cup finely chopped red cabbage
2 ears of corn, shucked, or 1 cup of defrosted frozen corn
1 (4-ounce) can Hatch green chili peppers, chopped, see notes
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Optional add-ins: chopped avocado, crumbled feta or queso fresco
Directions
Cook Quinoa
Combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed by the quinoa, 10 to 15 minutes.
Move the saucepan off of the heat and cover for five minutes. This extra time allows the quinoa to steam and “fluff up.” Uncover, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Make The Salad
In a large bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of black pepper together. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking until blended.
Add the quinoa, black beans, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, corn, and chili peppers. Toss to combine, and then season to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If after a day or two the salad seems a little dry, add an extra squeeze of lime juice and a small drizzle of olive oil.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Canned green chili peppers are often sold next to salsas in most grocery stores. There are a variety of brands including Ortega, Old El Paso, and Hatch. When we can find it, we love the Hatch brand.
- Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA database to calculate approximate values.
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