This easy quinoa black bean salad is a hearty and refreshing salad that comes together in just 30 minutes! Quinoa and black beans are tossed with fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper and carrot and topped with a zesty chili lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks and as a side during grilling season!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili lime dressing, quinoa black bean salad
In a medium sauce pan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Place cooked quinoa in a large bowl to cool. See note 1 for Instant Pot instructions.
While the quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans, then prepare the cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, green onion, and cilantro.
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.
Add the vegetables, cilantro and black beans to the large bowl with the quinoa, then pour the dressing on top and stir until well combined.
If you have time: let the salad marinate for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours blend. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days.
Video
Notes
To make quinoa in your 6-quart Instant Pot: add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa to the insert. Using the same measuring cup, add 1 cup of water to the quinoa. Close the lid, set the vent to sealing and pressure cook on High for 1 minute. Allow for a full natural release (about 10 minutes or so). Once the pin drops, open the lid and fluff with a fork.
Rinse the quinoa if it doesn’t come pre-washed to avoid undesirable flavour and texture. I like to buy a pre-washed variety to save time.
I love black beans in this salad, but navy beans and pinto beans are also great options.
I always buy an extra lime in case two limes are not enough to yield a quarter cup. If you want a stronger lime flavour, increase the amount of freshly squeezed lime juice to one third of a cup.
I find this salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for meal prep. I like to make this salad a few hours before serving, to allow the flavours to blend together. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to eat.