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This vibrant 30-minute black bean quinoa salad with cilantro lime dressing is fresh, zesty, and packed with protein—A crowd-pleasing, wholesome meal prep meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh? Check. Flavor-packed? Check. High in protein, fiber, and antioxidants? TRIPLE check! This black bean quinoa salad is a feel-good meal, combining hearty quinoa, black beans, and fresh, crisp veggies with a bright, zesty cilantro lime dressing for a simple, budget-friendly yet flavor-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes and ‘eat straight from the fridge’ addictive.
Loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and plenty of nutrients and antioxidants, it’s a satisfying, wholesome one-bowl meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Keep it classic, add creamy avocado (like this easy avocado spread), or toss in sweet mango for a sweet twist. Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or a quick work lunch – it’s easy, nutritious, and totally satisfying!
Love Southwestern-inspired flavors? Try my Southwest quinoa salad, Texas caviar, vegan taco salad, or mango black bean salad.
The Ingredient Notes
Please refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and substitutes.
Recipe Variations
- Other vegetables: Like bell pepper, cucumber, spinach/kale (massage kale with dressing to soften), or roasted sweet potato.
- Fruit: Quinoa salad with black beans tastes amazing with diced mango or pineapple.
- Toppings: Like vegan cheese (I use crumbled tofu feta cheese or vegan cotija cheese), avocado (add before serving to avoid browning), pepitas, green onion, etc.
- Cilantro lime dressing add-ins: Add maple syrup/agave to balance the tang, chili powder/jalapeno for heat, and/or avocado (blended) or vegan Greek yogurt for creaminess.
How to Make Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Step 1: First, rinse and cook quinoa per package instructions (or follow complete guide to quinoa to learn how to cook quinoa on the stove or in an Instant Pot). Then, set aside to cool. Tip: Spread the quinoa on a tray and optionally chill to cool faster.
Step 2: Drain and rinse the black beans. Dice red onion, halve tomatoes, chop cilantro, and zest and juice limes. Add all the prepared ingredients, plus the corn and salt, to a large bowl, mix well, and leave to sit while the quinoa cools.
Step 3: In a small bowl or jar, combine all the dressing ingredients, starting with the juice from only 2 limes. Whisk thoroughly.
Step 4: Toss the cooled quinoa with the veggies and dressing. Taste and adjust the lime, salt, or other seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for even better flavor. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro – enjoy!
Alternatively, blend the cilantro and all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Tossing a small portion of dressing with slightly warm quinoa enhances flavor absorption.
FAQs
This tasty combination of Southwest flavors will taste delicious with couscous/giant couscous, farro, bulgur wheat, wild rice, etc.
Sure! Most are ‘ready to eat’ – but double-check if heating is needed.
This black bean quinoa corn salad is jam-packed with nutrient-dense, superfood goodness. Quinoa is a fiber-loaded complex carbohydrate and complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids and contains several key minerals (iron, calcium, folate, magnesium, etc.).
Meanwhile, the black beans, fresh veggies, and vitamin-c-rich lime dressing provide even more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Technically, yes, but the fresh veggies will soften. You might prefer my easy black bean quinoa casserole instead.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Rinse the quinoa: If it’s not labeled pre-rinsed, rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin outer layer.
- To enhance quinoa flavor: Toast it in the pan until fragrant before cooking, and use low-sodium broth instead of water.
- Let it chill: If you have time, I highly recommend chilling the quinoa bean salad for at least 30 minutes for the flavor to meld and enhance.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this quinoa salad as a complete meal or in smaller portions (great at potlucks, BBQs, and parties) alongside vegan tacos (like tofu tacos or vegetable fajita tacos), your favorite plant protein, vegan burgers (like my Southwest black bean burger), and more.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: In an airtight container for 3-5 days. It’ll taste even better on day two.
Freezer: Freeze quinoa and beans (without fresh veggies) in freezer-safe containers for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight and assemble fresh, or enjoy it warm.
More Quinoa Salad Recipes To Consider….
![completed Quinoa Chickpea Salad [In A Jar] against a white background](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Salad-in-a-Jar-Plant-Based-on-a-Budget-13-378x378.jpg)
Vegan Lunches
Quinoa Chickpea Salad [In A Jar]
Vegan Lunches
Kale Quinoa Salad
![completed Avocado Quinoa Salad [With Grapefruit] on a plate](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/62-Tanzanian-Quinoa-Salad-with-Grapefruit-and-Avocado-Plant-Based-on-a-Budget-1-2-378x378.jpg)
Vegan Lunches
Avocado Quinoa Salad [With Grapefruit]
If you tried this black bean quinoa salad recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2–3 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, black beans, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and let sit while the quinoa cools.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, olive oil, water, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Once the quinoa has reached room temperature, add it to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the dressing and toss until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the lime juice, salt, or other seasonings as needed.Optionally, cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro on top.
Notes
- Rinse the quinoa: If it’s not labeled pre-rinsed, rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin outer layer.
- To enhance quinoa flavor: Toast it in the pan until fragrant before cooking, and use low-sodium broth instead of water.
- Let it chill: If you have time, I highly recommend chilling the quinoa bean salad for at least 30 minutes for the flavor to meld and enhance.
