Hunting down an easy yet delicious lunch recipe does not have to be an arduous task. This Spicy Black Bean & Quinoa Bowl makes for a well-balanced and fulfilling protein-rich dish, and it is ideal for those days that are busy and call for some healthy, tasty, and quick-to-make meal. Thanks to the handful of steps required to make this bowl and the availability of fresh ingredients, this lunch recipe will definitely be your favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 Oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes. For more detailed guidance on cooking quinoa, check out our Quinoa Chicken Salad Recipe for more quinoa inspiration.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the red bell pepper, slice the avocado, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper with the olive oil and lime juice to make a quick dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Serve: Spoon the quinoa mixture into bowls, top with avocado slices, and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. This bowl is just as good cold as it is warm, making it ideal for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s start with how healthy and nutritious this dish, Spicy Black Bean & Quinoa Bowl, can be. It offers a soy-free and meat-free protein rich meal due to the presence of black beans and quinoa. There are also other beneficial components in this dish which are fibers, vitamins and minerals that help in keeping you happy and active during the entire duration of the day.
Health Benefits
Quinoa and black beans – which are essential components of this meal – are both protein and fiber abundant. This combination makes sure that they are very satisfying while providing sustained energy over a longer period. This meal also packs in loads of vitamins, healthy nutrient dense avocado and vegetables, and antioxidants. For more reasons why everyone should consider this wonderful grain, check out this Healthline article on the benefits of quinoa.
How to Personalize Your Bowl
In this recipe, perhaps the most appealing factor is its adaptability. You can spice it up further by adding toppings like shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, or even hot sauce. This dish also goes well with Tzatziki Sauce, which gives a Mediterranean flair to the meal. For more healthy and delicious ideas with similar varieties, check out our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad here for another healthy and easy lunch idea.
Conclusion
Wholesome, quick, and tasty meal options are few and far between; and this Spicy Black Bean & Quinoa Bowl brings that ideal, especially during lunchtime. The food is rich and the flavors are complemented very well to bring about a well-rounded dish. Give it a whirl, and remember to add it to your list of affordable lunch options.
