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Chili-Lime Quinoa Black Bean Salad with Corn

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • ½ medium red or yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced or halved
  • 1(15-ounce) canned black beans, drain and rinsed
  • 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (may substitute canned corn or grilled corn off the cob)
  • 1 medium avocado, cubed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or Cotija cheese, optional (omit for dairy-free and vegan)
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 limes, juiced (about ¼ cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional – add for more heat)

Instructions

  1. first rinse 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa in fine mesh strainer under cold water. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups water and the quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes covered, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool. This step can be done a day or two in advance.
  2. In a small bowl or mason jar with cover, combine the lime juice, oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt. Whisk or shake to combine well. Set aside.
  3. Once quinoa is cooled, in a large bowl combine the quinoa, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, corn, and avocado. Add the vinaigrette to the bowl and toss to coat. Add additional salt to taste.
  4. with additional cilantro and with lime wedges if desired.
  5. leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days