When I first moved to Los Angeles I was firmly in the anti-cilantro camp. I hated it. But at some point in the last 10 years, I became a cilantro lover. Maybe it was a matter of necessity, seeing as you can’t order a coffee in this city without finding a sprig of cilantro on top. Whatever the reason, I am now a serious convert, and love adding cilantro to my meals whenever I can. Enter… this vegan cilantro lime quinoa black bean salad.
Not only is this salad delicious, it is also a nutritional powerhouse. One serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains half of your daily fiber, 1/3 of your daily vitamin C and vitamin A, and 25% or your daily iron needs. And because of the vitamin C in the lime juice, your body will absorb more of the iron. The cilantro itself is also rich in nutrients. It contains vitamin K, folate, and potassium, as well as a number of antioxidants to help keep you healthy. So if you are looking for a tasty and healthy lunch or side dish, look no further than this vegan cilantro lime quinoa black bean salad.
- For the salad:
- • 1 cup dry quinoa
- • 2 cups water
- • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- • 1½ cups roughly chopped baby spinach
- • 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- • 1 avocado, diced
- • 3 green onions, diced
- • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- For the dressing:
- • 2 tbsp olive oil
- • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- • Juice of 1 lime
- • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- • ½ tsp cumin
- • Freshly ground black pepper
- Cook the quinoa according to the instructions (usually 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water simmered covered for 15 minutes). Allow to cool.
- Once cool, put the quinoa, black beans, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl and carefully combine.
- In a separate small bowl or jar, add all of the dressing ingredients and mix well.
- Add the dressing to the quinoa mixture, and stir well.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Did you know you can change the course of your health just by eating the right food? I am here to show you how you can eat simple healthy food without stress, guilt, or shame.
Love this – the flavours sound amazing xx
Thank you Dawn!
This is my kind of salad! I love the combination of ingredients.
Thanks Anne. Mine too 🙂
I love grain salads like this! Cilantro and lime are a great flavor combo. I love that you added spinach too. Pinned for later, Thanks!
hahah !!! so true about cilantro in LA- its in everything- so healthy and hydrating. I have always been a fan though, even before I moved to LA. This bowl of wholsome yummy-ness looks divine <3
Such a finger-licking salad, Esther! Yummy! This is a great idea for tomorrow’s lunch!
Thank you Agness I hope you enjoy it.
Very nice and great way to use lots of veggies in the fridge! My kids all enjoyed it as well!