Quinoa with pineapple, black beans, and crisp veggies in lime dressing offers a vibrant, fresh meal option.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Fruits and Vegetables
03 - 1.5 cups fresh pineapple, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 0.5 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
09 - 1 avocado, diced
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
15 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
# Directions:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced pineapple, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, drained black beans, and fresh cilantro.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, maple syrup, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to prevent oxidation and browning.
06 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
