Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and is a breeze to make? Look no further! Our Quinoa Corn and Black Bean Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side at your next gathering. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it can be whipped up in just 25 minutes! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Quinoa, rinsed
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Sweet corn, canned or frozen
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely by spreading it on a large baking sheet or wide bowl.
- While quinoa is cooling, drain and rinse the black beans and corn. If using frozen corn, ensure it's thawed completely.
- Dice the red bell pepper and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Chop fresh cilantro finely and add to the mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for fluffy quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until all the water is absorbed.
- Cool It Down: To cool the quinoa quickly, spread it out on a large baking sheet. This will help it cool evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and ripe vegetables. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and texture of your salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra kick. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
- Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra lime juice or salt can make a big difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
