Just in case you love mangos as much as I do and the Mango Mint Green Smoothie from last week wasn’t enough mango for you, I give you this simple recipe. My Black Bean and Mango Quinoa Salad is mangolicious.
This salad is also really easy to make and tastes even better if you let it sit for a bit so the flavors can combine.
It’s perfect for a summer potluck or dinner party, just double the recipe so there’s plenty for everyone!
One little note: In my recipe, I use dried black beans. I prefer them because I try to keep my kitchen waste as low as possible and can buy beans in bulk. It does take a little extra time, but you can put the beans on the stove for 2hrs in the morning or the night before and leave them until you’re ready to put this all together. Or you can crockpot them if you prefer — I just don’t have a crockpot, so can’t help you there!
Black Bean and Mango Quinoa Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked black beans (or 2 cans black beans)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 large tomatoes, chopped into small chunks
1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into quarters
2 small mangos, peeled and pitted and chopped into small chunks
dressing~
4 tsp cumin
4 Tbs lime juice
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
***optional adds-ons: sweet red peppers, avocado, cilantro (if you’re feeling fancy)
Directions
Make your beans, if doing from scratch. This will take about 2hrs on the stovetop, so I usually do this early in the morning or the night before. All you need is to use triple the amount of water as you have been, so in this case 3 cups water to one cup beans. Use a bay leaf or a piece of kombu seaweed for extra flavor. Don’t salt the water or the beans will toughen up while cooking. When done, set aside until you’re ready.
Make your quinoa — takes about 15 minutes to get fluffy. Only just cover the quinoa with water, then bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook. Remove from heat when done and let sit, covered until you’re ready.
Make your dressing. Just add all ingredients to a small measuring bowl. Whisk together, combining the ingredients thoroughly.
When the beans, quinoa, and dressing are ready, combine ALL ingredients in a large bowl. Mix in well.
Allow this to sit, if you can, for a few hours so the flavors can combine.
Then enjoy this yummy meal!