Zesty Quinoa Salad

Description

This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it’s summertime). Light and citrusy, it’s a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you’re not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
  • 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 5 green onions, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low
  2. cover
  3. and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed
  4. 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  5. Meanwhile
  6. whisk olive oil
  7. lime juice
  8. cumin
  9. salt
  10. and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl.
  11. Combine quinoa
  12. tomatoes
  13. black beans
  14. and green onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 6

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