This Quinoa Black Bean Mango Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed recipe made with quinoa, black beans, corn, mango, and a zesty cilantro lime pumpkin seed dressing. Vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep!
Looking for a fresh, protein-packed salad that’s bursting with flavor and color? This Quinoa Black Bean Mango Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty. Packed with wholesome ingredients like black beans, avocado, corn, and juicy mango, it’s tossed in a creamy cilantro lime pumpkin seed dressing that takes things to the next level.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, looking for a healthy side dish, or need a refreshing, healthy potluck recipe, this salad will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and loaded with plant-based protein.
Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Black Bean Mango Salad
- High in protein & fiber – Quinoa and black beans make this salad hearty and filling.
- Bright, fresh flavors – Sweet mango, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing keep things light and refreshing.
- Meal-prep friendly – Stores well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.
- Plant-based & gluten-free – Perfect for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Quinoa Black Bean Veggie Salad with Mango
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup white or red quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 mango, diced into small pieces
- 3/4 cup no salt added canned corn, drained
- 1 can of no salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, scooped out of skin and diced (optional!)
- more fresh cilantro for garnishing
For dressing:
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/2-1 tbsp date syrup (code HEALTHYHELPER saves!)
Instructions
For dressing:
- Combine pumpkin seeds, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and syrup in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
For salad:
- In a large saucepan, toast quinoa over medium heat. Stir often until you can hear continuous popping noises (about 6 minutes). Stir in water and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Bring to a simmer. Then, cover and reduce the heat to low until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy and soft (about 15 minutes). Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and let it fully cool.
- Stir in peppers, corn, mango, beans, scallions, avocado (if using!), and dressing. Toss to combine.
- To serve, top with more avocado and cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier – Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
- Swap the fruit – Try pineapple or papaya in place of mango for a tropical twist.
- Add crunch – Toss in pepitas, sunflower seeds, or chopped cashews for extra texture.
- Make it a meal – Serve over leafy greens or alongside grilled tofu or shrimp.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, add avocado right before serving.
Perfect Salad for Meal Prep
This Quinoa Black Bean Mango Salad is vibrant, nutrient-dense, and incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of dish you can enjoy as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing salad for any gathering. With its sweet mango, creamy avocado, and tangy cilantro lime pumpkin seed dressing, every bite is refreshing and satisfying.
What’s your favorite grain (yes, I know quinoa isn’t technically a grain!)?
Do you like fruit in salads?

Discover more from Healthy Helper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Looks yummy and super healthy! Pinned for later! Visiting today from the Lou Lou Girls link up. Have a great week!
Thank you for stopping by Marielle! 🙂
We loved featuring your awesome post here on Full Plate Thursday,503 this week. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us and hope you will come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope the rest of your week is great!