Mexican Quinoa Black Bean Salad Recipe (2024)

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My Mexican quinoa black bean quinoa salad recipe should be on the top of your recipes-to-make list! This quinoa salad with black beans makes a light and healthy meal, and it’s full of plant-based protein and flavor. Be sure to try my black bean, corn, and avocado salad for a similar salad that would also be delicious served over quinoa.

I originally made (and shared) this salad years ago, but it was time to revisit, retest, and take some new photos. I’m not mad about it, because cold quinoa salads like this one are just so perfect this time of year. Not only are they great for summer parties, or dinners out on the patio, but they are also fantastic for meal prep lunches.

Be sure to leave a comment or a rating below, I can’t wait to hear what you think of this quinoa salad with black beans and if you love quinoa salads, be sure to try my quinoa arugula salad next time.

How to Make Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe:

This easy quinoa salad takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

First we cook up our quinoa.

Pro Tip: Cook quinoa in broth (vegetable or chicken) for extra-flavor.

Then we’ll mix up our dressing. I like to put all of the ingredients in a jar and shake until it’s emulsified, but you can also whisk them all together in a bowl.

When the quinoa is done cooking, we’ll let it cool for 5-10 minutes and toss with the dressing. The dressing soaks into the quinoa, infusing it with tons of flavor.

Next, we mix everything else together! I recommend gently tossing the beans, green onions, and cilantro in with the quinoa and THEN adding the cheese last.

Is Quinoa Salad Healthy?

Yes! Quinoa salad is healthy. This cold quinoa black bean salad is loaded with plant-based protein and plenty of fiber, all while being light and full of flavor.

Serve this quinoa and black bean salad over salad greens for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Quinoa Nutrition: Quinoa is a nutritious little seed thatboasts 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per cup (cooked).

Mexican Quinoa Salad Calories:

Mexican quinoa salad has 406 calories. The full nutrition panel can be found below, but here are some of the highlights. Per 1 1/4 cup serving:

• 406 calories
• 12 grams fiber
• 17 grams protein

How long can quinoa salad last in the fridge?

Quinoa salad can last about 5-6 days in the fridge. It will, of course, vary depending on what other ingredients you have in your cold quinoa salad but because this one doesn’t contain any soft vegetables, it will last a little bit longer. (If your quinoa salad recipes have vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers, the salad would last 2-3 days.)

How to Meal Prep Quinoa Salad Recipes:

To meal prep this mexican quinoa salad, simply divide the quinoa salad into glass or plastic containers and store in the fridge. You could divide the salad into anywhere from 4-6 servings, depending on appetites/nutritional needs.

The day you are going to eat it, top the quinoa with a few handfuls of fresh salad greens and a small drizzle of dressing, olive oil, or lime juice. Toss together and dig in!

Here are my two favorite meal prep containers.One glass option and one plastic. I have and use both, and the lids fit both sets too, which is nice!

• Snapware Glass Storage Set– I prefer to use glass containers for food storage and reheating, these are my favorite.
• Snapware Plastic Storage Set– Plastic is nice to have, especially if you commute to work and don’t want your bag to get too heavy!

What to Serve with Quinoa Salad with Black Beans:

This quinoa salad with feta doesn’t need much. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a light dinner, or over greens for an easy meal prep lunch. Here are some other easy recipes that would pair great with this cold quinoa black bean salad:

• Easy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Guacamole Burgers
• Easy Healthy Summer Quinoa Salad Recipe (in case you’re on a quinoa salad kick!)

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