Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

March 27, 2024
A vibrant Quinoa and Black Bean Salad, meticulously layered in a clear glass storage container. The bottom layer showcases fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa, followed by a generous portion of glossy black beans. Bright red bell pepper and crisp cucumber add a burst of color and texture, while finely chopped fresh cilantro sprinkles the top.

Pin & Save for Later!

Jump to Recipe

Welcome to your next favorite meal prep recipe Quinoa and Black Bean Salad!

The Quinoa & Black Bean Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a champion of nutrition and convenience. Perfect for those busy weeks when you want to keep your meals healthy and satisfying.

Let’s dive into how this vegetarian salad can become a staple in your meal prep routine.

Image of a vibrant Quinoa & Black Bean Salad in a glass meal prep container. Visible are the fluffy quinoa, glossy black beans, bright red bell pepper chunks, and fresh cilantro, all lightly dressed with a tangy lime dressing.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Ingredients

Every ingredient in this salad plays a key role in making it not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced:

  • Quinoa: A superfood grain that’s a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
  • Water: Used to cook the quinoa, making it fluffy and perfect for salads.
  • Canned Black Beans: A convenient source of fiber and protein, adding a hearty texture to the salad.
  • Bell Pepper: Adds a crunch and a pop of color, along with vitamin C.
  • Cucumber: Adds a fresh, crisp texture, enhancing the salad’s refreshing quality.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh and citrusy flavor that complements the lime juice.
  • Lime Juice: Gives the salad a zesty kick, perfect for enhancing the other flavors.
  • Olive Oil: Helps in dressing the salad, adding a smooth and healthy fat.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.

For the complete list of ingredients and exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.

Instructions Steps

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

  1. Cook the quinoa and let it cool.
  2. Rinse and drain the black beans.
  3. Chop the bell peppers, cucumber and cilantro.
  4. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  5. Dress with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Simple steps for a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Four glass meal prep containers showcase Quinoa and Black Bean Salad, each with layers of fluffy quinoa, black beans, diced bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro, all lightly dressed. Perfectly portioned, nutritious, and ready for the week.

Tips and Notes

To make the perfect Quinoa & Black Bean Salad, consider these tips:

  • Rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
  • Let the quinoa cool down before adding it to the salad to maintain a refreshing crunch.
  • Boost quinoa flavor, kip the water. Cook your quinoa in chicken or vegetable stock to infuse it with a savory depth that’ll make your salad pop.

Storage and Leftovers

This Quinoa & Black Bean Salad is ideal for meal prep because it stores so well:

  • Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • It’s versatile! Enjoy it as a side dish, a main course, or even as a filling for wraps.

More Meal Prep Recipes

A generous serving of Ground Turkey and Rice, neatly plated on a crisp white dish, showcasing the rich blend of seasoned ground turkey and fluffy rice, all beautifully crowned with a layer of melted cheese.
Ground Turkey Rice Skillet
A vibrant bowl of Kale White Bean Salad topped with golden grilled shrimp, sprinkled with seeds and crumbled feta, all drizzled with lemony dressing.
Kale White Bean Shrimp Salad
Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry meal prep in glass containers, showcasing cubed chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce, ready for a nutritious week.
Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry
A vibrant Quinoa and Black Bean Salad, meticulously layered in a clear glass storage container. The bottom layer showcases fluffy, perfectly cooked quinoa, followed by a generous portion of glossy black beans. Bright red bell pepper and crisp cucumber add a burst of color and texture, while finely chopped fresh cilantro sprinkles the top.
Yield: 4 servings

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Discover the perfect meal prep solution with our Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. Easy to store for up to 5 days, it's versatile enough to be a side, wrap filling, or salad topper. Enjoy the convenience of nutritious, vegetarian meals all week long.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, cucumber and cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the quinoa mixture and stir until well combined.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.

Notes

  • Rinse your quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
  • Let the quinoa cool down before adding it to the salad to maintain a refreshing crunch.
  • Boost quinoa flavor, kip the water. Cook your quinoa in chicken or vegetable stock to infuse it with a savory depth that'll make your salad pop.

    • Nutrition Information

    Yield

    4

    Serving Size

    1
    Amount Per Serving Calories 234Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 328mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 9gSugar 4gProtein 9g
    © Be Centsational
    Cuisine: American / Category: Meal Prep

    Pin & Save for Later!

    You may also like

    Skip to Recipe