Looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Dive into the world of our Sweet Potato Quinoa Black Bean Salad! This colorful medley of roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed quinoa, and hearty black beans is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will leave you craving more. Ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes, cubed
- Quinoa, cooked
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch uniform pieces. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are golden and potatoes are tender.
- While sweet potatoes are roasting, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, rinse quinoa, combine 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. Dice red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and diced red bell pepper.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together lime juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving. Can be served warm or chilled.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even roasting. This will help them cook consistently and achieve that perfect golden edge.
- Quinoa Perfection: Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love! Corn, avocado, or cherry tomatoes can enhance the flavor and add even more color to your salad.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad warm for a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing side at your next barbecue or picnic. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
