Quinoa is one of those grains that you are hearing about everywhere you turn, but what do you do with it? By itself, I don't feel like it is that exciting, but is very versatile, provides health benefits and can be dressed up in many ways. This recipe is one that I modified from the vegangela.com website. The original recipe called for a dressing that you make separately, but I modified it to be a one bowl dish that can be served on it's own or as a side. Let me know what you think!
1. 1 cup uncooked quinoa
2. 1 can black beans (or whatever you have on hand), rinsed and drained
3. 1 quart grape or cherry tomatoes halved
4. 1 red, orange or yellow pepper chopped
5. 1/2 seedless cucumber diced
6. 1 small red onion diced
7. 3-4 green onions (white parts only) diced
8. 1/2 corn (canned or frozen)
9. 2 large avocado diced
10. Juice from 1 lime
11. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
12. 2 Tbs olive oil
13. 1/8th tsp chili powder
14. 1/4th tsp cumin
15. Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool.
2. Combine remaining ingredients with quinoa and toss until fully incorporated.
Why it is good for you
- Quinoa: This seems to be the new "it" grain, but it really is a great alternative. It is gluten free and contains a hefty amount of protein. It also is a good source of zinc (helps you fight off illness), folate, and phosphorus as well as contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avocado- high in potassium and protein. It also contains nearly 20 vitamins and minerals-25% of your recommended vitamin B6 (an energy vitamin!) and 33% of your vitamin C, plus folate, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium and iron.
- Rainbow of Vegetables- the different vegetables found in this dish cover a wide range of vitamins essential for a healthy body.
