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Fresh Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl Recipe Easy Healthy Black Bean Meal

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A quick, easy, and healthy quinoa bowl featuring fresh cilantro, lime, and black beans. Perfect for a light meal or late-night snack that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170 g) quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 large lime, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Optional add-ins: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa: Place 1 cup (170 g) of quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds, rubbing the grains gently. Drain well.
  2. Cook the quinoa: Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups (475 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Prep other ingredients: While quinoa cooks, drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) of black beans. Chop ½ cup cilantro, zest and juice 1 large lime, mince 2 garlic cloves, dice ¼ cup red onion, and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fluffy quinoa, black beans, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
  5. Season: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cumin. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine and coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust: Give it a quick taste — if you want more brightness, add extra lime juice; for more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños. Sometimes, a little extra olive oil helps bring it all together.
  7. Serve: This bowl is excellent warm, room temperature, or chilled. If you’re adding avocado or feta, toss them on top just before serving to keep them fresh.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Do not overcook quinoa; let it steam after cooking for fluffiness. Toast cumin seeds if possible for added flavor. Mix ingredients while quinoa is warm for better flavor absorption. Adjust salt gradually due to canned beans. Fresh lime zest and juice add depth. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid overheating when reheating to preserve cilantro freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, cilantro lime, black beans, healthy meal, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/fresh-cilantro-lime-quinoa-bowl-recipe-easy-healthy-black-bean-meal/