Healthy Southwest Quinoa Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the salad:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup quinoa well rinsed and drained
• 1 3/4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup canned corn drained
• 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 4 green onions sliced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

For the lime vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• guacamole or avocado if desired

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 12-16 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the lime vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients. Whisk (or shake in a jar with a lid) until well combined.
3. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the corn, black beans, bell pepper, green onions and cilantro. Add the dressing and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. Serve salad warm or cold, with guacamole or sliced avocado if desired.

NOTES

• Quinoa salad can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 161mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g

This article and recipe adapted from this site