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Quinoa & Bean Salad Cups - A Bright, Make-Ahead Lunch or Snack

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or any beans you like)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 8–12 sturdy lettuce leaves (romaine, little gem, or butter lettuce) or small meal-prep containers
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Crumbled feta or cotija
  • Pepitas or sliced almonds
  • Pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. Add to a pot with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity and salt.
  3. Prep the vegetables: Halve tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop red onion, and chop herbs. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
  4. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add cooled quinoa, black beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, corn, and herbs. Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is coated.
  5. Season to finish: Add an extra pinch of salt, more lime, or a drizzle of olive oil if needed. The salad should taste bright and well-seasoned.
  6. Assemble the cups: Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves for immediate serving, or portion into small containers for meal prep. Add avocado and cheese just before serving to keep them fresh.
  7. Garnish and enjoy: Top with pepitas, a sprinkle of feta, and a squeeze of lime. Serve chilled or at room temperature.