Go Back
mango quinoa salad

Tropical Mango Quinoa Salad

This tropical mango quinoa salad is light, colorful, and full of flavor. Sweet mango, fluffy quinoa, black beans, green beans, and fresh cilantro all come together with a bright lime vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or refreshing side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Light lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: French, Tropical Inspired
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 ripe mango diced
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup green beans blanched and chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
For the Lime Vinaigrette:
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
  2. Cook quinoa: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water and quinoa to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Prepare vegetables: Dice mango, bell pepper, and onion. Chop cilantro. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to cold water and drain.
  4. Mix vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine salad: In a large bowl, add cooked quinoa, black beans, mango, green beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently.
  6. Rest & serve: Let the salad sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For meal prep, keep the vinaigrette separate and mix just before eating.
  • Add avocado right before serving so it doesn’t brown.
  • This salad tastes even better after resting for a few hours in the fridge.