Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and black bean salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue or potluck. The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a great protein source and the vegetables and spices add a fresh and zesty flavor.

I first tried this dish at a friend's barbecue and was immediately hooked. I loved the combination of the nutty quinoa, the hearty black beans, and the fresh vegetables. I asked for the recipe and have been making it ever since.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and black bean mixture and toss to combine.
6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

This quinoa and black bean salad is perfect as a side dish for a barbecue or potluck. It can also be served as a light lunch or dinner. If you want to make it more filling, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp. I like to serve this salad with tortilla chips or on top of a bed of mixed greens. It's a versatile dish that is sure to please everyone.