This Corn and Black Bean Quinoa is a deliciously fresh stand-alone salad or side dish that pairs well with any protein. Whether it’s a packed lunch, an easy family dinner or Mexican-style feast, this quinoa recipe ticks all the boxes for taste, nutrition and simplicity. Quinoa [1] and black beans [2] are nutrient-dense and rich sources of plant-based protein and fibre. Combined with fresh lime, coriander and Mexican flavours, this quinoa salad is super satisfying.
Quinoa for toddlers
Toddler-approved, you ask? It is in my house! Look, I admit it’s messy business when your 18 month old feeds themselves this grain salad. But how can I complain when they love it and ask me for seconds? Proud mumma moment! 😍
Protein-packed quinoa [1] and hearty black beans [2] have plenty of health benefits, and this easy salad is such a great way to expose kids to different nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients in Corn and Black Bean Quinoa
This corn, black bean quinoa salad recipe calls for a mix of pantry staples and beautifully fresh ingredients:
Quinoa – Now readily available in supermarkets, you’ll likely find dry quinoa in the health foods section. I use white quinoa which is the most common, but black or red quinoa work just as well.
Corn – I use frozen sweet corn kernels. Easy! You could also use fresh corn, and cook it along with the quinoa.
Coriander/cilantro – Fresh cilantro/coriander leaves and stems too.
Garlic – One clove for flavour.
Red onion – Red onion is best but you could substitute this with white onion or green onions.
Capsicum/bell pepper – I prefer using red bell pepper/capsicum for the colour, but you could use either green or yellow. Just note that green capsicum tends to be a little less sweet and slightly more bitter than other colours, because they are picked before ripening [3].
Black beans – You’ll need one 400g/14oz tin. Try to find a ‘no added salt’ variety. If using standard, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove as much excess sodium [4] as possible.
Taco seasoning – I make my own additive-free taco spice mix, but if your family have no gluten intolerances then buying a packet of your favourite Mexican seasoning is a great option to make this a really easy-to-prepare dish.
Lime juice – Use freshly squeezed lime juice if you can, rather than bottled. It makes a difference!
Salt and black pepper – Adjust to taste. You can add the salt at the end of cooking, after reserving a portion for any family under 12 months if you like.
How to make Corn and Black Bean Quinoa
To make the dressing, you can either finely chop the coriander, garlic, red onion and capsicum by hand or in a food processor. Mix these dressing ingredients with the lime juice and spices, and transfer to a large bowl. Cook the quinoa and frozen corn following preferred packet instructions. Rinse and drain the cooked quinoa and corn, and then in large mixing bowl combine all ingredients for an easy, yummy salad or side dish!
Thermomixer? Firstly, make the ‘dressing’ in your Thermomix, by finely chopping coriander, garlic, red onion and capsicum and mixing with lime juice and spices. Transfer this to a large bowl, and then use your machine to cook the quinoa and corn. Rinse and drain the cooked quinoa and corn, and then combine all ingredients for an easy, yummy salad or side dish!
You’ll find the recipe card below, with ingredient amounts and detailed steps for both regular and thermo cooker methods.
Serving
This delicious quinoa salad is a great side dish for any Mexican feast, BBQ or easy family dinner. It can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, so is perfect for entertaining – it’s different and delicious!
If going with the easy family dinner option, I’ll normally serve this at room temperature with grilled chicken for a complete meal. Of course, you can keep this plant-based recipe meat-free for a vegetarian main course.
It’s a great recipe for meal prep too, I love having this cold quinoa salad for lunch. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Looking for another yummy side dish to fancy up a family dinner? Try these Basil Pesto Green Vegetables. They’re quick and easy to make, delicious to eat!
Making Corn and Black Bean Quinoa? Please leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below, I love hearing how my recipes work for you! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too for more healthy recipes for side dishes.
Enjoy,
Chloe x
Corn and Black Bean Quinoa
Category: SidesTap or hover to scale
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup packed fresh coriander / cilantro (30g)
- 1 garlic clove peeled
- 150 g capsicum / bell pepper roughly chopped (Note 1)
- 60 g red onion peeled
- 40 g fresh lime juice (approx. 1 lime)
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp salt for family over 12 months
- 3/4 cup quinoa rinsed in a fine mesh sieve
- 100 g frozen corn kernels
- 1 l water
- 1 400g/14oz can black beans rinsed and drained
Thermo Cooker Instructions
- To make the quinoa salad dressing, put the garlic and coriander into the mixing bowl. Chop for 7 seconds, speed 7, MC on. Scrape down the mixing bowl.
- Add the capsicum, red onion, lime juice, taco seasoning and salt. Chop for 3 seconds, speed 5, MC on. Transfer to a large bowl, and return the mixing bowl to base.
- Add the water. Insert the simmering basket and add the quinoa and corn. Cook for 16 minutes, 100°C, speed 4, MC on.
- Carefully remove simmering basket and rinse corn and quinoa under cold gentle running water. Allow to drain thoroughly.
- Add black beans, rinsed quinoa and corn to the coriander mixture. Stir to combine. Garnish with extra coriander leaves and lime wedges.
Conventional Instructions
- To make the quinoa salad dressing, finely chop the garlic, coriander, red onion and capsicum either by hand or in a food processor.
- Add to a large bowl with lime juice, taco seasoning and salt. Mix well.
- Cook the quinoa following preferred packet instructions.
- At the same time, boil or steam frozen corn following preferred packet instructions (allow 10-15 minutes).
- Once cooked, rinse corn and quinoa under cold gentle running water. Allow to drain thoroughly.
- Add black beans, corn and quinoa to the coriander mixture. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with extra coriander leaves and lime wedges.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
[1] 8 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa, 2023, Healthline Media.
[2] Are Black Beans Healthy? Nutrition, Benefits, and More, 2023, Healthline Media.
[3] Veggycation: Green capsicum, 2018, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
[4] Black beans, 2023, Solid Starts Inc..
One Response
Just love the corn and black bean quinoa, but find all your recipes so well thought out – nutritious and tasty!!