Superfood Quinoa & Black Bean Salad Recipe Is Packed With Protein & Fiber (9 Ingredients, 20 Minutes) by Jan Mostrom

I’m trying to dig into my nutritional needs now that I’m post-menopausal. In addition to higher protein needs during menopause, fiber is so important to keep us full, help balance hormones and decrease absorption of glucose into our bloodstream. Fiber helps that last one happen by slowing down the insulin spikes and keeping our appetite and blood sugars more steady. Read about other health benefits of fiber.

This easy superfood quinoa and black bean salad recipe is one of those powerhouse high-protein and high-fiber recipes I’ve found and love. This bean and grain salad recipe is made in just 20 minutes (less if you have the quinoa already cooked), and is packed with protein, fiber and so much taste!

Here is your list of wholesome ingredients for this healthy gluten-free recipe: quinoa (read about the health benefits of quinoa), black beans (check out the health benefits of black beans), corn, sweet peppers (peppers have so many health benefits), fresh cilantro, extra-virgin olive oil, limes for juicing, fresh garlic and ground cumin.

Variation: You can add cooked chicken if you’d like an extra dose of protein.

Serve this healthy quinoa and bean salad as a vegetarian and vegan lunch or dinner or as a side dish with dinner. The wholesome recipe is also wonderful for meal-prepping.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if you have to cook quinoa)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 (main dish) or 4 (side dish)

Ingredients

Salad

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa or 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 15 ounces (1 can) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 sweet red, orange or yellow pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Cilantro Lime Dressing 

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• juice from 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced 
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Here's how to make it: 

1. If you need to cook the quinoa, cook it according to package directions. Let the quinoa cool while you prepare the other salad ingredients.
2. Stir together all the cilantro lime dressing ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
   
3. Put all the salad ingredients into a bowl.
   
4. Pour the salad dressing over the top and toss to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
   

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