Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and nutritious gluten-free quinoa salad tossed with black beans, ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing. This mexican-inspired gluten free (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, rinsed, water, medium ripe avocado, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 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 over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooked quinoa, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the avocado remains in chunks.
  4. Step 4: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a light main dish or side salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado?

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 quinoa, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado?

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 Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado 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 Cilantro-Lime Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Avocado gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, 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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