Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup corn
1 can black beans , drained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 large tomato , diced
1/2 cup fresh lime juice , or to taste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1/2 cup feta cheese
salt and black pepper to taste
Southwestern quinoa salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that combines nourishing vegetables and grains with tangy dressing and seasonings. It is a perfect dish for vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians alike. The combination of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers packs a healthy punch of nutritional benefits. This salad can be customized with different vegetables, dressings, and spices to suit your taste buds. The addition of feta cheese is optional, but it adds a creamy and salty flavor to the dish. This recipe serves as a healthy lunch or dinner option when looking for a filling and nutritious meal.

Instructions

1.Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under cold water for about 3 minutes until the water runs clear.
2.Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3.Add the rinsed quinoa and cook, stirring, for around 2-3 minutes.
4.Add chicken broth to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover.
5.Cook for around 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
6.Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool.
7.Once the quinoa has cooled, add the bell peppers, onions, corn, black beans, cilantro, and tomatoes to the bowl.
8.In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil and adobo seasoning together.
9.Drizzle this mixture over the quinoa salad and toss to combine.
10.Add feta cheese and salt and black pepper to taste.
11.Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

PROS

This flavorful salad is perfect for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese.
It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.

The salad is packed with protein, thanks to quinoa and black beans, and nourishing vegetables like bell peppers, onions and tomatoes.

This southwestern quinoa salad can be served as a hearty main dish or as a healthy side dish to complement other meals.

CONS

This salad can take some time and effort to prepare, especially if you are new to cooking quinoa.

Some people may not like the taste of cilantro, so adjust the amount to your liking.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Quinoa is a complete protein, packed with essential amino acids and fiber, making it an excellent food for maintaining overall health.
Bell peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C.
Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that are good for heart health and digestion.
Corn is an excellent source of carbohydrates, while also rich in vitamins B and C.
Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber.

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