Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Posted in [Vegan Cooking] By michelleblackwood

So I hear you’re getting tired of rice, looking for a way to use quinoa, or maybe you want a new way to prepare salad. Or you just want a quick and easy meal that won’t hurt you at some point. Well you couldn’t possibly get better than this salad...great tasting, and gluten free!

Salad

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups black beans, cooked and drained OR 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained

1 1/2 cups frozen corn OR 1 15 oz. can corn, drained

1 cup tomatoes, deseeded and diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

2 scallions, finely chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Dressing

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup

1/2 tsp cumin

1 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

Wash quinoa and drain in a strainer. Place water and quinoa into a saucepan, bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer covered until fluffy and tender (about 15 minutes). Allow to cool. Add remaining ingredients. Prepare dressing in a small bowl and mix into quinoa salad.