Hey y'all! Craving something that's hearty, packed with protein, and bursting with zesty flavors? This Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl is your ticket to a satisfying, wholesome meal that doesn't skimp on taste or nutrition. It's not only quick to whip up on busy weeknights, but also customizable for meal prep, potlucks, or wholesome lunches. Ready to fall in love with a bowl? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl
- Protein-packed and satisfying, great for vegetarians and vegans alike.
- Gluten-free and naturally dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Quick and easy—on the table in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Bursting with bold, fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
- Fantastic for meal prep—make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients for Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, vegan cheese, or salsa
How to Make the Best Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, corn, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Black Beans
Add the drained black beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat, and mix in fresh cilantro.
Step 4: Assemble Your Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl
Spoon cooked quinoa into bowls. Top with the black bean-veggie mixture, diced avocado, and any optional toppings you love. Squeeze a lime wedge over each bowl and dig in!
Notes for Perfect Black Bean-Quinoa Bowls
- Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove bitterness. Learn more about quinoa prep here.
- For extra flavor, toast the spices in the olive oil before adding the veggies.
- Use canned or cooked black beans—learn about their nutrition at Healthline.
Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add salsa, shredded lettuce, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Greek-Inspired: Swap cumin for oregano, add cucumber, olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta (if not vegan).
- Spicy Southwest: Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, spicy kick.
Required Equipment for Black Bean-Quinoa Bowls
- Medium saucepan (for quinoa)
- Large skillet
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoons and bowls for serving
Storage Instructions for Black Bean-Quinoa Bowls
Store Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl components separately in airtight containers. Quinoa and veggie mixture will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avocado is best added fresh before serving. For longer storage, freeze the veggie and quinoa mix without toppings for up to 2 months.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Black Bean-Quinoa Bowls
- Serve with tortilla chips, lime wedges, or a dollop of vegan sour cream.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes.
- A refreshing agua fresca or iced tea makes for a perfect drink companion.
Pro Tips for Black Bean-Quinoa Bowls
- Fluff your quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy bowls.
- Meal prep by dividing ingredients into jars or containers for grab-and-go meals. Find more meal prep tips at EatingWell.
- Layer avocado or guacamole just before serving to prevent browning.
Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl FAQ
- Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
- Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe; just adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
- Is this Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl freezer-friendly?
- Yes, you can freeze the quinoa and black bean mixture (without avocado or fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling.
- How can I make my Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl spicier?
- Add fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder to boost the heat to your liking!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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2Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
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3In a large bowl, combine black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, and chopped cilantro.
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4Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently.
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5Divide into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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