Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Quinoa & Black Bean Salad with Orange-Lime Vinaigrette


I'm crazy for quinoa these days. Mom bought a monster-sized bag so I've been looking for good uses - and this refreshing salad with a fruity twist is definitely one of them. The sweetness of the mangoes, the brightness of the mint, the kick of the jalapeno and the crunch of the jicama make it a groovy little party in your mouth. Woohoooooo!!!

I've also been obsessed with Clean Food - one of my favorite cookbooks that I left for mom in the hopes that she might divine some inspiration. Alas, she enjoys eating food more than making it so I have reclaimed this little baby for myself. There's something about eating clean that seems to replace cravings for "comfort food" with a ravenous desire to eat loads of fruit and veggies, drink gallons of water and tea, and do insane amounts of yoga - a state of being that I sorely need to get back in touch with.

So far, so good!


Quinoa and Black Bean Salad with Orange-Lime Vinaigrette
Adapted from Clean Food by Terry Walters
Serves 8

3/4 cup quinoa
1-1/4 cups water
pinch of sea salt
3 cups cooked black beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1 cup jicama, peeled and diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Orange Lime Vinaigrette
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 jalapenos, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper

Bring water to a boil and add the quinoa and salt. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until all water is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Combine beans, onion, mango and jicama in a large bowl. Fluff the cooled quinoa with a fork, add to bowl and fold gently to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Fold in the tomatoes and seeds just before serving. Deeeee-lishhhhhh!


5 comments:

  1. Quinoa is like my favorite food EVER, it's so versatile, healthy and above all - tasty! I had it in a salad today, with beans and red peppers. Yum =D

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  2. Mmm quinoa and black beans, love the protein-filled, and filling combination! The vinaigrette sounds perfect!

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  3. Thanks so much for stopping by! Let me know if you try this one - your feedback is always appreciated =)

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  4. Making this tonight. Says serves 8, is that sides or is that 8 main course portions?

    Gorgeous recipe & site. Found you on Pinterest!

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  5. I would say that for 8 people the serving size would be a little under a cup, which would be more of a side salad than a main course. You can probably safely serve 4 with this as a main course if you're mot looking for super-size portions. Hope that helps!

    Thanks for the lovely compliment - glad you found me as well! Enjoy the salad =)

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Yaaaay! I love comments =)

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