High-Protein Vegan Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad combining fluffy quinoa, black beans, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This Latin American-inspired salad recipe (vegan, high protein), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, canned 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 350 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 1/2 cups, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
• 1/3 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 medium, diced avocado
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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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. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with 1 1/2 cups drained black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Fold in 1 diced medium avocado just before serving for creaminess and texture.