Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
This Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with sweet mango, hearty black beans, and fluffy quinoa tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep, summer potlucks, or an easy healthy lunch, this quinoa salad comes together in just 30 minutes!
Quick Look: Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Ready In: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Calories: 260 Calories
Main Ingredients: fresh mango, black beans, quinoa, lime, cilantro
Why You'll Love It:
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When the weather warms up, I start craving fresh, easy meals that don't require turning on the oven, and this Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad is always at the top of my list. It's loaded with wholesome ingredients like protein-packed quinoa, black beans, juicy mango, crunchy bell pepper, and fresh cilantro, all tossed together with a bright lime dressing that makes every bite taste like summer.
One of my favorite things about this quinoa salad is how versatile it is. It works as a light vegetarian main dish, a flavorful side for grilled chicken or fish, or an easy make-ahead lunch for busy weekdays. Plus, the combination of sweet mango, savory black beans, and tangy lime gives it the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful - the combination of sweet mango, hearty black beans, fresh veggies, and zesty lime dressing makes every bite bright and delicious.
- Easy to make - this quinoa salad comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Healthy and filling - packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, it's a satisfying salad that will keep you full.
- Perfect for meal prep - the flavors get even better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead lunch or side dish for the week.
- Versatile - serve it as a light vegetarian meal, a side dish for grilled meats, or bring it along to potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings. It's delicious with my Blackened Salmon Tacos, Orange Chipotle Grilled Chicken, and Blue Cheese Burgers!
Key Ingredients
Quinoa - I use white quinoa but you could use red quinoa if you like.
Fresh Mango - be sure to use a ripe fresh mango for maximum flavor!
Please refer to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients.
How to Make Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Step 1.
Cook the quinoa. Add the broth and quinoa to a medium pot over medium heat. Bring to a bring, reduce heat to medium-low and cover, cooking 16-18 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all of the broth and is fluffy.
Step 2.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 3.
Add the quinoa, mango, black beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and red onion to a large bowl.
Step 4.
Add the dressing and toss well to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing the salad so the ingredients stay fresh and crisp instead of becoming warm and soggy.
Use ripe but firm mangoes for the best texture and sweetness. If the mango is too soft, it can get mushy when tossed with the salad.
Rinse the black beans well to remove excess sodium and keep the flavors fresh and clean.
Make it ahead of time! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, giving the flavors time to meld together.
Adjust the lime dressing to taste - add extra lime juice for more brightness or a drizzle of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Add extra protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or avocado to turn this quinoa salad into a more filling meal.
Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe FAQs
This quinoa salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as it chills!
Yes! This is a great make-ahead salad for meal prep, potlucks, or easy lunches. You can prepare it several hours or even a day in advance.
Fresh mango is best for texture and flavor, but thawed frozen mango will also work. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the salad.
ou can swap the quinoa with brown rice, farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice depending on your preference.
Yes, this Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad is naturally gluten free as long as all packaged ingredients used are certified gluten free. It is also dairy free.
Other Recipes to Consider
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.
Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 3 cups vegetable broth water or chicken broth will work too
- 1 red bell pepper seeds and white parts removed, diced
- 1 mango peeled cut into little chunks
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ red onion finely diced
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package. Typically this involves combining quinoa with broth/water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed. Let cool for about 20 minutes
- In large bowl, combine quinoa, red pepper, mango, cilantro, black beans, and red onion.
- To the bowl add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper.
- Stir to combine well.
- Eat immediately or store in refrigerator in an air-tight container.
- Enjoy!
