Cuban Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed 🌾
• 2 cups water 💧
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 0.5 cup corn kernels 🌽
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• For the Seasoning & Dressing:
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin ✨
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
• Juice of 1 lime 🍋
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 🍏

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Cook the Quinoa 🌾🔥
2. 2In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. 32️⃣ Prepare the Salad Base 🌶️🍅
4. 4In a large bowl, combine black beans, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and corn.
5. 53️⃣ Season it Up ✨🫘
6. 6Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat all ingredients with flavor.
7. 74️⃣ Dress it Right 🫒🍋
8. 8Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Toss until everything is evenly combined.
9. 95️⃣ Final Touch 🌿
10. 10Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and let the salad sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
11. 116️⃣ Serve & Enjoy 🍽️✨
12. 12This dish can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any occasion.