Tropical Quinoa Pineapple Salad (Printable Version)

Bright quinoa with pineapple, black beans, veggies, and lime dressing for a refreshing, colorful dish.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water

→ Fruits and Vegetables

03 - 1½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - ½ small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
09 - 1 avocado, diced

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - ½ teaspoon salt
15 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, pineapple, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, and cilantro.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, cumin, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to prevent browning.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a vacation in a bowl without requiring you to leave your kitchen.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it works for almost everyone at the table.
  • Comes together faster than you'd think, perfect for those days when you need lunch that actually feels special.
02 -
  • If you add the avocado too early, it'll turn that unappetizing gray-brown color, so really do wait until the last minute.
  • The dressing needs time to settle into the quinoa, but if you're making this ahead for meal prep, keep the avocado separate and store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
03 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the quinoa—it takes thirty seconds and removes the natural coating that makes it taste bitter.
  • Toast your cumin in a dry pan for ten seconds before whisking it into the dressing if you want the flavor to deepen and sing even more.
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