Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (2024)

Table of Contents
A Hearty Salad for Lunch or Dinner Quick Guide: How to Make Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad How to Cut a Mango? Pro Tips More Hearty Make Ahead Salads to Love Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette Ingredients Instructions Notes You might also like: Sign up for the Vanilla And Bean newsletter and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox! Reader Interactions 127 comments Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe References

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4.9 stars (from 30 ratings)

By Traci York — — 127 Comments / Jump to Recipe

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Sweet and spicy come together in this Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with a scrumptious Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette and Smoky Pepitas. Cook Black Beans from scratch and make this ahead, perfect for lunch, dinner, potluck or picnic. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free.

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (6)

~ This recipe was updated with new photos and recipe notes 5/20 ~

Table of Contents

A Hearty Salad for Lunch or Dinner

Vibrant color, flavor, texture and so hearty!

During the warmest of days, salads for lunch and dinner are made weekly around here. Too, I love having them on the ready should a picnic kind of mood strike. For this salad, there’s only a bit of cooking involved, and if needed, any of the cooked components can be made ahead during a meal prep sesh so it’s easy to pull together when dinner time comes.

This Mango Black Bean Salad is simple to make, packed with good for us ingredients that are filling and so satisfying. Suitable for a variety of diets, it’s vegetarian, vegan and gluten free which makes it easy to share.

There’s plenty going on in this salad to make mouths happy and tummies full.

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (7) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (8) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (9) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (10)

Quick Guide: How to Make Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad

Use canned or homemade cooked black beans in this salad, whatever fits your schedule. Look for ripe mangos and avocados that give just a bit when their skin is gently pressed. They need to be softish, yet still firm. In summary, here’s how to make the salad (see recipe card for full recipe):

  • First, put the quinoa on to cook. When done, transfer to the fridge to chill.
  • Second, toss the pepitas with salt, paprika and olive oil, then toast in the oven.
  • Meanwhile, chop the spinach, onion, cilantro and dice the mango.
  • Next, make the chipotle lime vinaigrette in a food processor.
  • Last, put all the ingredients together, toss and top with sliced avocado.

If making ahead, hold out the avocados and add just before serving. Otherwise they tend to brown a bit.

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (11) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (12) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (13) Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (14)

How to Cut a Mango?

I’ve struggled with knowing how to cut a mango. So I did a bit of searching for mango kitchen hacks and found a video on YouTube that shows several mango cutting techniques. My world will never be the same! Finding it easier to get to the good stuff, I’m enjoying mangos more often.

With my newfound knowledge of mango cutting, a batch of homemade black beans and fresh spinach from the Farmer’s Market, this salad was next on my agenda.

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (15)

Pro Tips

  • This salad’s flavor improves with a bit of time. If holding the salad in the fridge before serving, add the avocado just before sharing as it tends to brown a bit otherwise.
  • The chipotle lime vinaigrette calls for chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. Look for cans on the Mexican food isle of your grocery store, gluten free if needed. It’ll last for weeks in the fridge, and store for months in the freezer. Use your leftovers in Vegan Black Bean Dipor easy Mexican salsa.
  • For meal prep, the quinoa can be made up to two days in advance, and the toasted pepitas, up to a week in advance. Cook Black Beans from scratch up to a week in advance and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

More Hearty Make Ahead Salads to Love

  • Forbidden Rice Salad with Mango and Coconut Curried Dressing
  • Spinach Brown Rice Salad
  • Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
  • Summer Quinoa Veggie Salad
  • Lemon Orzo Salad

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (16)

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Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette

Prep Time:20 minutes minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes minutes

Total Time:35 minutes minutes

Servings:6 Servings

Calories:443kcal

Author:Traci York

Sweet and spicy with a little bit of smoky come together in this flavor and texture-packed salad. A delicious addition to a picnic or potluck but also makes a hearty summer dinner salad. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 1 C (195g) Quinoa rinsed under running water
  • 1 3/4 C (420g) Water
  • 1/2 C (70g) Pepitas
  • 1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp + 1/8 tsp Fine Sea Salt divided
  • 1/4 tsp Smoky Paprika
  • 1 3/4 C (300g) Cooked Black Beans rinsed, drained, about one 15 oz can
  • 3/4 C (70g) Purple/Red Onion small diced, about 1/2 an onion
  • 2 C (330g) Mangos diced, about one mango* (see note)
  • 2 C (90g) Baby Spinach chopped and packed
  • 4 Tbs Cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 Avocados diced just before serving

For The Dressing (makes 1/2 C):

Instructions

For the Salad:

  • In a small saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil, turn to low and simmer uncovered for 13-14 minutes. Remove from heat, stir, cover and let set for 5 minutes.

    The quinoa is ready when all the water is absorbed, and the quinoa is tender with it's 'tails' showing. Remove lid and place in refrigerator while the rest of the salad is being prepared.

  • Preheat oven to 325F (163C). Toss pepitas with olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and paprika. Toast pepitas for about 8-9 minutes. They'll be slightly golden and fragrant when ready. Set aside to cool.

  • In a large bowl combine the chilled quinoa, beans, onion, mango* (see note), spinach, cilantro, pepitas and the remaining 1/4 + 1/8 tsp salt. Set aside.

For the Dressing:

  • In a food processor, combine the apple cider vinegar, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, salt, cumin and cilantro. With the processor on, pour in the olive oil. Process until smooth. Set aside.

To Assemble:

Notes

*MANGO NOTE: If making ahead, and depending on how ripe your mango is you can add it or hold it out. If your mango is soft, wait and add it with the avocado. If your mango is on the firmer side, add it with everything else.

**Find chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in the Mexican food section of the grocery store. Store leftover chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 596mg | Potassium: 923mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2167IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 4mg

Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

You might also like:

Black Bean Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Crunchy Garbanzo Summer Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing
Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Kale and Wild Rice
Forbidden Rice® Salad with Mango, Bok Choy and Coconut Curried Dressing
  • Avocado
  • Black Beans
  • Quinoa
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Potato
  • Spring
  • Summer

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Reader Interactions

127 comments

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  1. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (22)JennyG

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (23)
    I discovered Vanilla and Bean years ago when I found the original version of this recipe. This is to blame for my pepita addiction. I lost my taste for smoky so I haven’t made this recipe in ages. The urge hit me tonight so I recreated it using a combo of smoked paprika and chili powder instead of adobo. I used papaya instead of mango because it was what looked best in the produce section. It was delish! Great recipe.

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (24)Traci York

      Hi Jenny! Oh my aren’t pepitas soooo good?! Papaya sounds delicious in this. Thank you for writing and your five star review!

      Reply

  2. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (25)jennifer silverton

    hi.. making this salad today for a family get-together.. just realizing some family members do not care for cilantro.. do you think I could make this with basil?Thank you

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (26)Traci York

      Hi Jennifer! Since cilantro and basil have very different flavor profiles, I’d leave the cilantro off and serve it on the side for those that want it. I wouldn’t use basil in this salad. I hope this helps and y’all enjoy the salad!

      Reply

  3. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (27)kristin

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (28)
    I make a grain salad about twice a week and this one was a winner! It was hearty with great textures and the slightly tangy, smoky dressing was fantastic. We loved this so much and the only change was walnuts instead of pepitas. Thank you!

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (29)Traci York

      SO excited, Kristin! Thank you for your note and giving the salad a go! The walnuts sound delish. I looove a good hearty grain salad too :D

      Reply

  4. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (30)Sue

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (31)
    We loved this salad and it has been added to our family favourites list. Tasted great the next day too.

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (32)Traci

      So, SO happy to read your note, Sue! Thank you!

      Reply

  5. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (33)Tara

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (34)
    With 1/2 a can of black beans and 1/2 a mango I came to my new favorite blog looking for a Summer salad to make. This recipe jumped out at me. I had all the ingredients except the Chipotle Chilies so I replaced them with pimento, Chipotle Chili Powder and some smoked paprika. It turned out great…another keeper!

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (35)Tara

      I made1/2 recipe

      Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (36)Traci

      Hi Tara! So happy to hear you enjoyed this hearty salad. Thank you for your note and sharing your tips – those are fantastic subs!

      Reply

  6. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (37)John Nelson

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (38)
    This salad was so good that I decided to subscribe. The flavours were fantastic and I’ll be making this one a staple. I used frozen mango and added some arugula other than that followed the recipe to a tee and it was great! Thank you.

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (39)Traci

      Hi John! Thank you for subscribing, coming back to leave a note and sharing the frozen mango tip! Hooray for a tasty salad… the arugula sounds like a lovely addition!

      Reply

  7. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (40)Phyllis

    I would like to make this recipe this week, as the weather is supposed to be very hot and this looks refreshing. However, we do not like “chipotle anything” – can you suggest a substitute?

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (41)Traci

      Hi Phyllis! You can give my Jalapeño Lime dressing a go in this recipe: . https://vanillaandbean.com/black-bean-sweet-potato-quinoa-salad-smoky-pepitas-roasted-jalapeno-lime-dressing/#wprm-recipe-container-15214. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  8. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (42)Susan

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (43)
    I make your recipes at least 4 times per week and rotate them in and out during the year. This one is a knockout (as usual) because of the incredibly different flavor profile of the sauce. It’s unlike any vegetarian recipe I’ve ever had. Yum! Will be making again and again!

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (44)Traci

      Hi Susan! Your note made my day! Thank you for coming back and sharing your thoughts :D SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog and this salad! Isn’t that dressing so saucy?!

      Reply

  9. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (45)Julie B

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (46)
    The best dang salad ever! Considering this is my first recipe from your website, I can’t wait to try more!
    6 servings is correct, but the prep time took longer. I made the quinoa a day ahead.

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (47)Traci

      SO happy to hear, Julie! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! Prep time is such a challenge for me to reflect given individual experience/efficiencies in the kitchen. With this recipe I find there’s overlap in cooking and prep, so total time is more accurate than prep time alone. I hope this makes sense.

      Reply

  10. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (48)Hansi

    Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (49)
    This was fabulous! I just finished the last of it for lunch after having it for lunch yesterday and serving it for dinner the night before. I had to half the recipe becuase there are only two of us but couldn’t leave half of a perfectly ripe mango so I put the whole thing in. I also made a full batch of the dressing and pepitas to have extra for other uses. Thank you for posting this.

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (50)Traci

      Hi Hansi! Thank for your note and sharing! So happy you enjoyed the recipe – I love this for dinner too. Isn’t that dressing so nice? The extra mango sounds wonderful! It just adds so much to this salad.

      Reply

  11. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (51)Nathan Seamist

    The salad looks really good Traci and if you can add one more item with red color it would even looks better… It’s a healthy salad…. !Good Job Traci

    Reply

    • Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (52)Traci

      Hi Nathan! Thank you for your note and kind words. I bet red bell pepper would be an amazing addition! Appreciate your suggestion :D

      Reply

  12. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (53)Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    Going on the list for this week! I have almost all these ingredients all ready. Totally my kind of salad! Wonderful update. Thank you for re-sharing!

    Reply

  13. Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette | Vanilla And Bean (54)Suzanne

    This looks amazing! What a great blend of flavors and fun lunch meal prep for the week!

    Reply

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