Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-rich salad featuring fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, ideal for a healthy lunch or side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Brown's Quinoa and Black Bean Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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