By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
381 cal · 35 min
Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa
Recipe GLPR337190934f9fc4
A vibrant, protein-rich quinoa bowl combining fluffy quinoa with hearty black beans, fresh diced tomatoes, and a bright lime-cilantro dressing. This plant-based main course is naturally gluten-free and delivers satisfying nutrition in every bite.
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Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Directions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lime zest, lime juice, melted butter, vegetable oil, and sugar in a small bowl until well combined.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro.
Pour the lime-butter dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Divide into 4 servings and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Comments
Every ingredient is a standard buy at any Charlotte-area chain—quinoa and black beans are now shelf staples even at Walmart and ALDI, and tomato, scallion, cilantro, and lime are produce basics. The real cost driver is quinoa itself, typically $3–4 per pound, which means roughly $2–2.50 per serving just for that grain; add beans, tomato, and butter and you're looking at $2.75–3.50 per serving total, which is fair for a lunch bowl but not cheap. The 35 minutes is honest if you're using canned beans and not toasting the quinoa; fresh cilantro and lime do require a couple of minutes of prep that the timing accounts for. It reheats well in the microwave, though the texture softens slightly, and it's naturally friendly to meal prep—no fussy plating, no constant stirring. Cilantro is polarizing in households, so check your family first, but otherwise it's a solid weeknight side or meatless main.
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