A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring quinoa, beans, and a zesty lime dressing.
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
Rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let it cool.
Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients to prevent wilting.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and red pepper flakes to make the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and green onions.
Mix gently to avoid mashing the beans or tomatoes.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for enhanced flavor.