A simple, quick and easy vegetarian and vegan quinoa salad or quinoa pilaf recipe with black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, and seasoned with fresh lime juice and cayenne pepper or chili powder—inspired by the flavors of Mexico. There's truly no wrong way to make a quinoa salad, and this recipe mixes it up a bit from the usual quinoa and veggies.

This vegetarian and vegan dish can be served fresh and warm, or chill it in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to develop. Toss it gently before serving and give it another squeeze of fresh lime and dusting of sea salt to perk up the flavors. This recipe is healthy, high-fiber, high-protein vegetarian and vegan recipe as well as completely gluten-free (see recipe tips below).

Want to change things up a bit? Try this black bean salad with kaniwa instead of quinoa! And, if you find that you like this homemade vegetarian quinoa and black bean pilaf recipe, you'll want to try some of these creative vegetarian quinoa salad ideas.

Got leftovers? Use your quinoa salad to create a vegetarian sandwich wrap, add in some salsa and make yourself some vegetarian burritos, or, check out these ideas for how to use up leftover quinoa.