Mango Habanero Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Complex heat is more useful in recipes when the chile has a partner.

Mango gives habanero sweetness and fruit, so the dressing tastes bright and warm instead of simply hot.

Black beans and quinoa make the salad filling enough for lunch, while cucumber and cilantro keep it crisp.

The lime-heavy dressing prevents the sweet fruit from making the bowl feel heavy.

Start with less habanero and add more only after tasting.

The point is a lively finish, not a salad that overwhelms the beans and mango.

For something else to cook in the same spirit, try Sazon Black Bean Sweet Potato Skillet or Hot Honey Chickpea Cucumber Crunch Salad.