A vibrant, zesty salad where nutty quinoa meets earthy black beans, all uplifted by a burst of citrus.
Did you know?
Did you know that quinoa is not truly a grain, but a seed from a plant related to spinach? This ancient 'pseudo-cereal' has been nourishing civilizations for thousands of years!
Imagine a dish that dances on your palate, merging the earthy notes of black beans with the nutty essence of quinoa, all while infused with a citrusy burst that awakens the senses. This Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad is not just a meal; it's a vibrant journey through a garden of flavor. Each forkful is a mosaic of color and texture, harmoniously balanced to nourish both body and spirit. It's a dish that exemplifies the beauty of plant-based cuisine, a perfect creation that serves not just as a meal, but as an ode to the art of healthy eating. It is a symphony of ingredients, each playing its unique part, all coming together to create a masterpiece that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. This salad is more than just food; it's a statement of intent, a declaration that delicious can be synonymous with nutritious.
Ingredients
The magic of this salad lies in its simple yet sublime ingredients, each bringing forward its inherent flavors to create a dish that is more than the sum of its parts.
The quinoa in this dish is more than just a source of complete protein; it's a culinary bridge connecting present-day health enthusiasts with ancient Incan warriors who cherished it as 'the mother of all grains'.
- 200g quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- 4 lime wedges (for garnish)
Steps
Embark on your culinary quest to create this garden-fresh masterpiece by following these steps, each one leading you closer to a delightful dining experience.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooled quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create the zesty dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving.
- Garnish each serving with a lime wedge for an extra citrus flair.
Add some extra love
For an extra touch of zest, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a playful kick.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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