How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Black Bean Quinoa
Mexican-American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient black bean quinoa bowl is a protein-packed, plant-based dinner that is as nutritious as it is simple to make. Black beans, quinoa, and salsa combine for a complete, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Black Bean Quinoa recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
- 15 oz canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup your favorite salsa
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Quinoa
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and slightly golden. This step enhances the flavor significantly.
Step 2: Cook with Salsa
Add the salsa, 1 cup of water, and salt to the toasted quinoa. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add Beans and Serve
Remove the saucepan from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the drained black beans, and fluff everything together with a fork. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve as is or topped with avocado, sour cream, or cheese.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black beans → kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas for a similar hearty texture
- salsa → diced tomatoes with taco seasoning added for a chunkier, less spicy version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the quinoa before cooking which leaves a bitter, soapy coating called saponin on the grains
- Using watery salsa which adds too much liquid and results in mushy, overcooked quinoa
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 14g protein, 52g carbs, 4g fat, 11g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →