High-Protein Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-07 · Updated 2026-07-07

A vibrant, protein-packed salad combining nutty quinoa with spicy black beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. This Latin American-inspired salad recipe (high protein, vegan), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, black beans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 3, thinly sliced green onions
• 1, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 thinly sliced green onions, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Chill for 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.