Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This quinoa and black bean bowl comes together in just 5 minutes with a handful of wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a no-fuss lunch. Protein-packed black beans and fiber-rich quinoa form a satisfying base, while creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and fresh salsa bring color, texture, and bright flavor to every bite (1, 2).

Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup low-sodium black beans
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 1/4 avocado, sliced

Directions

Combine the quinoa, black beans, lettuce, salsa, and avocado in a bowl. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 287; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 527mg; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 8%; Iron: 23%; Potassium: 847mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 18%

The post Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This big bowl of kale, tender black beans and creamy avocado is delicious and nutritious. With zesty flavors, it’s best enjoyed on the side of a simple protein for a satisfying dinner.

RD Tip: Kick up the protein content in this meal by topping the salad with a fried egg or tofu. This makes the salad more filling and helps you hit your protein goal while getting a serving of vegetables.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 1 hour + 10 minutes

Kale and Black Bean Salad With Avocado

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (44g) dried black beans, soaked
• 2 cups (50g) kale, chopped
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 medium avocado, cubed

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the soaked black beans with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Drain, rinse lightly, and let cool.

Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat, then use your hands to massage the kale for about 1 minute, until it softens and darkens slightly.

Add the cooked beans, tomato, and avocado, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately to prevent the avocado from browning.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 299; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 12g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 315mg; Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 11g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 8g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 13%; Iron: 16%; Potassium: 1041mg; Vitamin C: 77%

Originally Published May 15, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post Kale and Black Bean Salad With Avocado appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This filling, Mexican-inspired breakfast is quick to put together and boasts plenty of protein (16g), healthy fats from avocado and olive oil and zesty pico de gallo for a dose of fresh veggies, too. Baking instead of frying the tortillas makes them sturdy enough to hold all the delicious toppings and cuts down on fat.

Steam 4 cups of spinach and layer it between the beans and the egg to add a serving of vegetables into this meal.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Black Bean and Avocado Breakfast Tostadas

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz. can no-salt added black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 (6-inch/15cm) corn tortillas
• 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
• 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (28g) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tortillas on both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until golden on one side. Flip and bake for about 3 more minutes, or until crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.

While the tortillas bake, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the black beans, taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup water. Mash the beans with a potato masher until mostly smooth and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until thickened and heated through. Transfer to a bowl and cover. Rinse the skillet.

Heat the remaining 1 tsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the whites are almost set.

Spread the beans evenly over the baked tortillas. Top each with a fried egg. Spoon about 2 tbsp pico de gallo over each tostada, then sprinkle with cheese and green onions. Finish with slices of avocado and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 tostada

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 364; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 213mg; Sodium: 367mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 16g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 15%; Iron: 17%; Potassium: 735mg; Vitamin A: 2%; Vitamin C: 13%

Originally published: April 16, 2020; Updated March 2026

The post Black Bean and Avocado Breakfast Tostadas appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.