Vegetarian, Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe

Savvy Vegetarian's Mexican Style Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups cooked black beans. If using canned beans, drain and rinse well
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced, OR 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 red pepper, sliced thin
• 1 large ripe tomato
• 1 green pepper, sliced thin
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Dressing:
• 2 Tblsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh ground pepper
• Pinch cayenne or chili powder
• 2 Tblsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• Optional: 1/2 cup sliced olives

Directions

1. The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refridgerated
2. Soak the quinoa 1/2 hour in cold water
3. Rinse very thoroughly in water several times. For each rinse, pour off most of the water and finish draining through a large fine mesh strainer
4. Place in 2 qt pot with 1 1/2 c. water and 1/2 tsp salt
5. Bring to a boil, turn down to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes
6. Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes covered
7. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside to cool.
8. Saute jalapeno, fresh garlic, in 2 Tbsp oil until garlic is browned, pepper and celery are softened
9. Add the green and red peppers and saute briefly
10. Add the cumin and coriander, cook and stir 5 minutes
11. Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk or shake in a jar
12. Gently combine sauteed veggies, tomatoes, black beans, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
13. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cilantro and scallions, and serve warm or cover and chill for later