Go Back Email Link
healthy cinco de mayo quinoa & black bean tacos recipe - Healthy Cinco De Mayo Quinoa & Black Bean Tacos served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Healthy Cinco De Mayo Quinoa & Black Bean Tacos

healthy cinco de mayo quinoa & black bean tacos recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, protein-packed taco filling that's as nutritious as it is delicious, perf
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Quinoa & Bean Filling
  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed well
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth for cooking quinoa
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels thawed
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice from about 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
For Assembly & Garnish
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce romaine or green leaf
  • 1 large avocado sliced, or 1 cup guacamole
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese optional, omit for vegan
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or cashew cream optional
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 4-5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  3. Add the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, and corn kernels to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly (stir-frying), for 4-5 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly crisped in places. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  4. While the filling rests for a minute, warm your tortillas. You can do this directly over a low gas flame for a few seconds per side, in a dry skillet, or wrapped in a damp towel and microwaved for 30 seconds. To assemble, place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, then a generous scoop of the quinoa and black bean filling. Top with avocado slices or guacamole, pico de gallo, and optional cheese or cream.
  5. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Arrange two tacos per plate for a beautiful presentation.