Simple Black Bean Corn Quinoa Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Simple Black Bean Corn Quinoa Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed dish perfect for quick lunches or a vibrant side. Combining wholesome quinoa with black beans, sweet corn, and zesty lime, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1/2 red onion (chopped)
- 1/3 cup corn (fresh, removed from the cob)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Step 1: If your quinoa is not cooked yet, start by cooking 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions.
- Step 2: While the quinoa cooks, chop the tomato and red onion, then combine them in a large mixing bowl along with the black beans and fresh corn.
- Step 3: Add lime juice, cumin, and garlic salt to the bowl, stirring the ingredients together to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Once the quinoa is cooked and slightly cooled, add it to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Step 5: Serve the salad warm or chilled, as a side dish or a light meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add diced avocado or grilled chicken.
- Swap fresh corn with frozen, thawed corn if fresh isn’t available.
- Use fresh cilantro or parsley to add a bright herbal note.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and quinoa may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours or a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and stir well before serving.
Is this salad suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegan and vegetarian, packed with plant-based protein and fresh ingredients.
PrintSimple Black Bean Corn Quinoa Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious Simple Black Bean Corn Quinoa Salad combining protein-rich quinoa and black beans with fresh tomato, red onion, and corn, all flavored with zesty lime juice, cumin, and garlic salt. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light meal served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1/2 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh corn, removed from the cob
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions if not already cooked. This usually involves rinsing the quinoa and simmering it in water for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Chop Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the tomato and red onion into small pieces and remove fresh corn kernels from the cob.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, black beans, chopped tomato, red onion, and corn kernels. Pour in the lime juice, sprinkle cumin and garlic salt over the mixture.
- Mix Well: Stir the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated with the seasonings and lime juice.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad warm or chill it and serve cold as a refreshing side or a nutritious meal.
Notes
- Use canned black beans for convenience, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Add chopped cilantro or jalapeño for an extra burst of flavor.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Adjust garlic salt quantity to taste or substitute with garlic powder and regular salt for more control over sodium.
Keywords: black bean salad, quinoa salad, corn salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, Mexican quinoa salad, protein salad, lime cumin salad
