Vibrant Tropical Quinoa Salad with Mango & Black Beans

Tropical Quinoa Salad with Mango & Black Beans is like a sunshine-infused vacation on your plate. Imagine vibrant mango chunks dancing with fluffy quinoa, with black beans adding a delightful pop of color and protein. Creamy mango lassi recipe The aroma of lime and cilantro wafts through the air, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation for this refreshing dish.

Picture this: you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, and while the burgers sizzle, you whip up this Tropical Quinoa Salad. Friends gather around, eyes wide with curiosity as they take in the colorful medley. When they dive in, expect lots of “wow” comments and requests for seconds! The flavors will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry spinach salad recipe.

I still remember the first time I served this salad at my cousin’s wedding. Everyone raved about how refreshing it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: Use rinsed quinoa for a light and fluffy texture; it’s packed with protein and gluten-free.
• Mango: Choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly when pressed; their sweetness shines in the salad.
• Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient; just rinse them before mixing for a healthy boost. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Red Bell Pepper: Chop finely for crunch and color; it adds both sweetness and visual appeal.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a lively flavor; use it generously for that authentic tropical taste.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens all flavors; don’t substitute bottled juice here!
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness while balancing the zesty notes from lime.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings amplify all the fresh flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Quinoa: Start by placing one cup of rinsed quinoa in a pot with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cover until fluffy—about 15 minutes.

Prepare the Mango & Veggies: While cooking quinoa, dice two ripe mangoes and chop one red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Their vibrant colors will add visual appeal!

Mix Together Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced mangoes, black beans (rinsed), chopped bell pepper, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine without squishing the mango.

Add Dressing & Seasoning: Whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. Pour over salad mix while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill Before Serving: For best flavor fusion, let your Tropical Quinoa Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving—it’s worth the wait!

With these steps complete, you now have a stunning Tropical Quinoa Salad ready to impress your guests or treat yourself! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish bursting with fresh flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitterness. Cook it in vegetable broth for added flavor, then let it cool while preparing the other ingredients.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap black beans for kidney or chickpeas. You can also add avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick, enhancing the salad’s texture and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Tropical Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy cold; no reheating is necessary, keeping all flavors fresh.

Creating this Tropical pina colada pie-smoothie-recipe-to-enjoy/”>Pina colada smoothie for summer Each bite brings joyful memories of laughter and sunny days spent outdoors. Fruit salad for a refreshing side.

FAQ

Can I use frozen mango in this salad?

Yes, frozen mango works just fine! Just thaw and chop before adding.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products at all.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

Try bulgur wheat or couscous if you prefer a different grain texture.

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Tropical Quinoa Salad with Mango & Black Beans

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Tropical Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that transports you to a sunny paradise. Bursting with juicy mangoes, protein-packed black beans, and the zesty flavor of lime, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues or as a light lunch. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress your guests and provide a delightful taste experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
• 2 ripe mangoes (diced)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. Dice the mangoes and chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced mangoes, black beans, chopped bell pepper, and cilantro. Toss gently.
4. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil in a separate bowl. Pour over the salad mix and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor, cook quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. Feel free to substitute black beans with kidney beans or chickpeas. Avocado can also be added for creaminess.