Quinoa Avocado Tomato and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

This Quinoa Avocado Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette is one of those easy dinner ideas that can made in the morning, refrigerated and dinner is ready.  This is a healthier alternative to macaroni salad, potato salad or pasta salad that is packed with plant based protein and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Close up of quinoa black bean salad in a white bowl with the title above it.

Why You Should Make This Quinoa Black Bean Salad

I love this recipe so much.  It’s quick, easy, healthy, gluten-free, wheat-free…. what’s not to love?  It’s just one of 300 recipes in my cookbook, The Everything Wheat-Free Diet Cookbook (and is available in all major bookstores 🙂 )

Quinoa is the latest “superfood” these days.  I love it.  It’s so versatile and can be used in so many different ways.  Quinoa is loaded with magnesium, iron and calcium.  It is the only grain to have all nine essential amino acids which also makes it the only one to be a complete protein.  It is low calorie, has a lot of fiber and is also gluten free which is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Avocados are packed with fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.  They also have monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) which help to lower blood cholesterol.

Black beans are also packed with fiber and protein as well.  Tomatoes have antioxidants and Vitamin A and C in them.

Recipe FAQ’s and Expert Tips

Can I freeze this quinoa black bean salad?

While you definitely can freeze quinoa, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables would get soggy. Let the cooked quinoa cool down completely, then transfer it to a resealable plastic bag. Press all the air out before sealing, then pat the quinoa into an even layer before freezing. Then when you are ready to make this salad you can defrost the quinoa and add everything else!

Can I add some meat to this salad for added protein?

Absolutely! You can add rotisserie chicken, sliced steak or even shrimp.

Can I warm this salad up before serving?

This salad is meant to be served cold, right out of the refrigerator. I haven’t made this served warm but if you do, please come back and let me know.

Vertical picture of quinoa salad in a white bowl close up.
Vertical picture of quinoa salad in a white bowl close up.

Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

This is a healthier alternative to macaroni salad, potato salad or pasta salad that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

5 from 8 votes

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Course: brunch, dinner, lunch, Main Course, main dish, meatless, Salad

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 300kcal

Author: Lauren Kelly

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa with water or broth according to instructions. Allow to cool to room temperature.

  • Combine beans, corn, avocado and tomatoes. Toss with cooled quinoa.

  • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad.

  • Let refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.

Notes

I always keep a bottle of this dressing in the refrigerator for other salads or roasted vegetables.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
The longer is stays in the refrigerator the more flavorful the salad will be.
If you are making this salad ahead of time, it’s always best to add the fresh, sliced avocado right before serving so the avocados don’t turn brown.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 2146mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 993IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 7mg

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