Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans

Are you lucky enough to be enjoying a Thanksgiving meal this year? Some friends of ours are hosting a dinner for all of us American and Canadian ex-pats and I can’t wait to share a couple of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes with them. Having said that, I can only eat so much stuffing, mashed potatoes, Tofurky and pumpkin pie. With all that over-indulgence, I’ll be seeking-out lighter meals after the festivities are over. I thought you might too. So here’s my Thanksgiving gift to you: a refreshing quinoa salad with mango, cucumber, avocado & black beans. I lovingly refer it as The “Next Day” Salad!

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

This salad is light yet satisfying. The cucumber, fresh coriander (cilantro), mint, and lime make it super refreshing, and the black beans and quinoa give it a protein punch.

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber & Avocado

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber & Avocado Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber & Avocado

Notes – Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans

  • The lime juice will help prevent the avocado and mango from turning brown, but you’ll want to serve this the same day you make it.
  • Toss in a handful of baby spinach or rocket (arugula) if you want a few greens in there.
  • Go ahead and add a pinch of chili flakes if you like things hot!
How to Cut a Mango How to Cut a Mango How to Cut a Mango

My friend Lisette taught me how to cut a mango, Queensland-style. The trick is to use the stem as your guide. Simply slice the mango to the left or right of the stem. If you hit the stone (pit), just move a little farther from the middle, until you can slice the whole way through. Then carve horizontal and vertical marks in the flesh, and push against the skin to fan out the fruit. I love it – thanks lady!

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans

I also like to call this the “next day salad” – it’s perfectly fresh and healthy after you’ve overindulged on heavy foods! Vegan, Gluten-Free

  • Author: Angela @ Vegangela.com
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed drained
  • 1 fresh mango, cubed
  • 1 ripe avocado, cubed
  • 1 cucumber, seeds removed and diced
  • 1/2 cup mint, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the quinoa along with 2 cups salted water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest heat setting. Simmer until water is completely absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 20 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and garlic.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients, including the quinoa, and gently combine. Season with salt and pepper. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to let the salad cool and flavors combine. Serve immediately.

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Recipe Note

One Green Planet asked me submit a Thanksgiving recipe again this year. Last year, I came up with some Quinoa-Stuffed Thanksgiving Squash, which is not only beautiful but also filling and nutritious. This year, I decided to prepare something a bit lighter. The full recipe is available on the One Green Planet website and I’ve also re-posted it here along with a few more photos. To everyone celebrating Thanksgiving this week, have a safe and happy holiday!

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

33 thoughts on “Refreshing Quinoa Salad with Mango, Cucumber, Avocado & Black Beans”

  1. This is my new favorite quinoa recipe! I altered very slightly by adding a little more lime juice and added a jalapeno. Cooked my quinoa in chicken broth. Have made with and without the black beans and both ways are excellent! I make a recipe for lunch for the week and reserve the avocado until the day I’m going to have it and cut it in that morning before work. Works perfectly! I think I prefer it room temp.

    Reply
  2. Hello Angela, its my first time visiting your website and its fascinating how you make such delicious foods off basic ingredients, I’m a new to becoming a vegan I’m 17 so I’m glad I found a website where people interact with each other and share great recipes thank you so much for making it easier for me in the journey.

    Reply
  3. Looks delish! However, i dont really like cilantro.. would you have a recommendation for a herb to use as a substitute? Cant wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Hi Ana! Feel-free to leave it out. Or maybe try a little fresh parsley? But the fresh mint will make it more than flavorful so feel-free to leave it at that. Hope you like it!

      Reply
  4. This salad looks amazing, was thinking about making it as a dish for thanksgiving however I’m wondering if I can make it the night before since I have to work thanksgiving day?

    Reply
  5. Hi,

    I tried this recipe and it was very good. The mangoes really give you a refreshing feel when you bite each piece. Loved it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Jyoti

    Reply
  6. A perfect salad, and what beautiful pictures! The black beans just make it (at least visually ;-), and the little swirly transparent grains of quinoa…in fact, it’s just all around gorgeous and I can practically taste it as I type…

    Reply
  7. Mmm, that’s a salad of all good things. I especially love the combination of mango and avocado. It’s funny because your day after salad is more like my “week after” salad, since we always have an endless abundance of leftovers!

    Reply
  8. Hey Fancy Pants! Nice work on the One Green Planet–love it!! Love the idea of a “day after” salad–hehe. Are you gearing up for your upcoming trip???

    Reply

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