What is the perfect combination of healthy fats and complete proteins? If you guessed avocado and quinoa, you guessed right.
I could probably have avocado with everything. It’s so creamy and versatile – I’ve used it in salads, smoothies, desserts, etc. If I have an avocado in my house, there is a high chance that it will not last long.
Since I like to make sure I get enough plant-based protein, I always like to keep different beans on hand. I also make sure my cupboard is consistently stocked up with quinoa, as it’s such an easy filler and makes a great rice-alternative.
Another must-have in my kitchen is a giant bag of spinach in the fridge at all times. Spinach is where I get most of my iron (aside from my supplement). In its rawest form, spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. So basically it’s just a nutrient-powerhouse on its own and you should consume it daily if possible. Plant-based iron (also known as non-heme iron) isn’t as easily absorbed by our bodies as heme-iron (animal-based iron sources). For more efficient absorption, you can consume vitamin C alongside your plant-based iron sources. This is why I always have my spinach salads with either lemon or lime juice, as both are incredibly high in vitamin C.
Salads are usually boring to me, but this zesty black bean and quinoa salad with avocado has a light and tasty homemade lime dressing which I simply love. I chose to add cilantro into it because I believe that it really comes together with the freshness of the lime, and it complements the black bean and avocados nicely.
Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Avocado
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Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (cold or room temperature)
1 avocado, sliced
2 cups of spinach
1 cup black beans
half a lime
cilantro (optional)
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt + pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare sauce in small bowl: Squeeze lime and mix in olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Place spinach, quinoa, black beans, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl and mix together. Add half of the dressing and mix well.
- Place mixture into bowl.
- Place sliced avocado in bowl and drizzle remaining dressing on top. Enjoy!
