Quinoa Salad with Mango, Black Beans and Lime
In short: Fluffy quinoa with ripe mango, black beans, red pepper and cilantro in a lime and cumin dressing. A filling, make-ahead lunch salad. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Fluffy quinoa, juicy mango, black beans and a lime and cumin dressing make a salad that is bright, filling and easy to pack. It tastes better after a rest, because the quinoa soaks up the dressing and the beans pick up the spices. Eat it cold or at room temperature as a light dinner, a lunch box staple, or a side for grilled chicken or fish.
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve under cold running water for 30 seconds to remove its bitter coating.
- Put the quinoa, water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and little white tails appear.
- Take the pan off the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and spread it on a tray to cool for 15 minutes.
- Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili flakes, maple syrup and salt in a small bowl.
- Combine the cooled quinoa, black beans, mango, red pepper, spring onions and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Pour over the dressing and toss gently so the mango stays intact. Taste and adjust with lime and salt, then serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Cool the quinoa before mixing, or the mango will go soft and the salad can turn gummy.
- Pineapple or diced peaches can replace the mango, and corn kernels are a good addition. Add diced avocado just before serving.
Questions and answers
How long does quinoa mango salad keep?
It keeps for up to 4 days in a covered container in the fridge. Add avocado only just before eating.
Can I use red or tricolor quinoa?
Yes. Red and tricolor quinoa hold their shape slightly better than white and taste a little nuttier. The cooking time is about the same.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, but check the packet if you need to avoid cross-contamination with wheat.
How long does it take to make Quinoa Salad with Mango, Black Beans and Lime?
About 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Quinoa Salad with Mango, Black Beans and Lime?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
