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- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped - Juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and black pepper to taste Creating a vibrant and tasty Spicy Quinoa Black Bean Salad starts with some simple yet fresh ingredients. First, quinoa is the star of this dish. The tiny seeds are full of protein and add a nice texture. Rinse it well to remove any bitter taste. Next, we have black beans. They are rich in fiber and protein, making the salad filling and nutritious. Don't forget to drain and rinse them! For the fresh produce, I love using colorful veggies. The red bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes bring juiciness, while the red onion adds a sharp bite. The jalapeño gives the salad its spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less. Lastly, the avocado is creamy and balances the spice. Cilantro brings a fresh herb flavor that brightens the dish. Now, let's talk about the dressing. Fresh lime juice adds tanginess, while olive oil gives richness. Ground cumin and chili powder enhance the salad's flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad! To start, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. In a large bowl, mix together the salad base. Add 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 finely diced red bell pepper, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 small chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1 diced avocado. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. This mix creates a colorful and hearty base for our salad. Now it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 fresh limes, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture is well blended. This dressing adds zesty flavor to our salad. Add the fluffed quinoa to the large bowl with the salad base. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together using a spatula. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Lastly, fold in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Spicy Quinoa Black Bean Salad! If you want to mix things up, try using different beans. Kidney beans or pinto beans work well in this salad. They add their own unique flavor and texture. You can also swap the avocado for diced mango. This change gives a sweet twist and a fruity taste to your salad. To really boost the taste, marinate the salad for about 30 minutes before you serve it. This time allows the flavors to blend perfectly. If you love tanginess, add more lime juice. This will give your salad an extra zing that brightens every bite. This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish. The added protein makes for a satisfying meal. For a fun twist, try serving the salad in lettuce wraps. This is a great low-carb option that makes for a fresh and crunchy bite. {{image_4}} To make this salad even spicier, you can add more jalapeño. A dash of hot sauce also works well. If you like a smoky taste, incorporate diced chipotle peppers. They add depth and heat to your dish. You can include corn for a hint of sweetness and delightful crunch. Diced cucumber is another great addition. It brings extra freshness, balancing the heat from the jalapeño. For a tangy twist, try a vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar. This will brighten the flavors in your salad. You can also use a tahini-based dressing. It adds a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients well. Explore all these variations to find your perfect mix! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your spicy quinoa black bean salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad is best eaten within 2-3 days. After that, the flavors may start to fade, and the texture can change. Can you freeze quinoa and beans? Yes, but it’s best to freeze them separately. This keeps their quality high. When frozen together, they can become mushy when thawed. If you want to enjoy warm quinoa, you can reheat it. However, this salad is best served cold. After reheating, add fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro. This keeps the crunch and adds texture to your dish. For the full recipe, check the details above. All ingredients listed are naturally vegan. This salad is perfect for everyone! Yes, substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or bulgur. Each grain adds a unique taste. This salad is high in protein and fiber. It is packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables. Eating it can boost your health. Ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the broth. This makes the salad safe for those with gluten issues. Yes, the salad can be prepared ahead. It is best when flavors meld for a few hours before serving. Enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal! This quinoa black bean salad is easy to make and delicious. We combined quinoa, black beans, and fresh vegetables with a tasty dressing. You can customize it with bold flavors or different ingredients as you like. Store leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal. This dish is not just filling; it's also good for you. Enjoy making this salad at home, and wow your friends and family with your skills!

Spicy Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Quinoa Black Bean Salad that's perfect for any occasion! Packed with nutritious ingredients like black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Juice of 2 fresh limes

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth (or water). Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Once the quinoa reaches a boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and diced avocado. Mix gently to incorporate the ingredients.

        In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until the mixture is well blended.

          Add the fluffed quinoa to the large bowl with the chopped vegetables and beans. Pour the dressing over the top and, using a spatula, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

            Finally, fold in the freshly chopped cilantro, tasting and adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve your vibrant salad in a large, colorful bowl, showcasing the beautiful array of ingredients. Garnish with additional lime wedges on the side and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for an appealing touch.