Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the refreshing world of Black Bean Mango Quinoa! This vegan delight is not only bursting with flavor but is also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. With its colorful ingredients and zesty lime dressing, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—ready to elevate your culinary game! Keep reading to discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables by dicing the red bell pepper, red onion, and ripe mango into small, uniform pieces.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to steam and become tender.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the quinoa, followed by the diced mango, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss all ingredients until well combined.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled, as a refreshing and nutritious salad or side dish.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste.
- Broth for Flavor: Using vegetable broth instead of water to cook the quinoa adds depth and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the vegetables and rinse the black beans in advance. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply toss everything together.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients you love, such as corn, avocado, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- Chill for Best Flavor: For an even more refreshing dish, let the quinoa salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Perfect Pairing: This dish can be served as a main course or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, tacos, or as part of a summer picnic spread.
- Garnish with Flair: Consider garnishing with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
