A colorful blend of quinoa, black beans, vegetables, and lime dressing for a nutritious meal option.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, uncooked, rinsed
→ Legumes
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
08 - 1 avocado, diced
→ Dressing
09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Juice of 2 limes
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
14 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
03 - In a large bowl, mix together cooled quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to distribute evenly.
05 - Fold in diced avocado carefully just before serving to maintain its texture and freshness.
06 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
