Southwestern Quinoa Salad - Lindsay Merrill - Camp

 Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups water, salted

15 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups corn (fresh is best, frozen is easy- no need to thaw before use)

1 red bell pepper, diced (you can also add some green pepper if you like green peppers)

1/2 an onion, finely diced (original recipe calls for red- I've used both red and yellow and both are good)

fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

Dressing (can make in food processor)

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 lime, zested and juiced

3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbs red wine vinegar

1 tsp chili powder

1 Tbs honey

Salt

Pepper

Garnishes: Avocado slices, salad greens, more lime juice, etc

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa by putting quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and simmer, uncovered, until liquid has been absorbed, approx 20 minutes. Take off heat and cover for 5 min.  

2. Once quinoa is cooled slightly, mix quinoa, beans, and vegetables together in a bowl.

3. Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour over salad.

4. Stir.

5. Garnish with cotija cheese, grated (or include on side)

Notes:

Tip: Some say this salad tastes even better the next day when everything has marinated in the dressing.