Name: Black Bean & Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon butter; 2 teaspoons garlic minced; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed & drained; 2 1/2 cups chicken stock, low salted (or water); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed; 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin; 2 limes juiced & zested; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

OK…now I know that not everyone is a fan of quinoa. The Hubby is not a fan at all, but it is healthy so therefore I keep trying.

Quinoa? Why?

There are so many reasons why but just a few are (according to this article)….

Quinoa is one of the best protein rich foods we can eat…I mean that protein rich foods are always a good idea.
Quinoa has a ton of fiber…like almost twice as much as other grains. Who doesn’t need fiber? Everyone needs fiber…so quinoa is a great option.
Quinoa contains iron…iron is always a positive thing to consume.

There are so many other reasons as well…it comes down to this little grainy thing is a great option to bring some yummy healthy into your life.

Black Beans?

I love black beans. They have a creamy texture that is a great addition to the quinoa. Now I took the quick shortcut and used canned beans but you can cook your own if you wanted…but I will be honest I love canned black beans as much as the homemade version.

I also love how you can pair almost any flavor combo with black beans and they become even better than before. They are hands down my favorite bean…EVER!!

Just a side?

NO THIS IS NOT JUST A SIDE!! Yes, this makes a GREAT side dish. It is loaded with tons of flavor and texture but it is so much more. The beauty of this dish is that you can use it as a side dish or add a piece of protein to make it a main dish everyone will LOVE!!

My favorite way to make this a main dish is with a piece of roasted salmon drizzled with a little lime juice to make it even more fresh and vibrant…but it would also be great with chicken or pork tenderloin as well.

Trust me everyone will love this…

MJ

8 servings

Black Bean & Quinoa Salad

A delicious quinoa salad with black beans and tons of flavor from the lime dressing making this a perfect salad for this summer.

10 minPrep Time

12 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter

2 teaspoons garlic minced

1 cup quinoa, rinsed & drained

2 1/2 cups chicken stock, low salted (or water)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed

1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin

2 limes juiced & zested

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

In a large pot, with a tight fitting lid, melt butter over medium heat

Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute

Stir in drained quinoa and cook for another 1-2 minutes

Stir in chicken stock, chili powder & pepper

Bring mixture to a boil

Cover and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed

Remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to make sure all liquid is absorbed

Pour quinoa into a large bowl

Stir in rinsed black beans

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lime juice & zest, mustard, salt & pepper

Pour over quinoa and beans, stirring to combine

Stir in 1/2 of the chopped cilantro

Top with remaining cilantro

Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to serve chilled. It is also good at room temperature

ENJOY!

Notes

Each serving (about 1/2 cup) is 6 WW Smart Points

Nutritional Info

Calories 194 - Calories from Fat 72 - Total Fat 8 g - Saturated Fat 1.3 g - Monounsaturated Fat 5.5 g - Polyunsaturated Fat 1.2 g - Trans Fat 0 g - Cholesterol 1 g - Sodium 523 mg - Potassium 189 mg - Total Carbohydrate 24 g - Dietary Fiber 4 g - Sugars 0 g - Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 4 % - Vitamin C 5 % - Calcium 2 % - Iron 11 %