Festive Black Bean & Quinoa Salad Recipe

This tasty vegetarian salad is great for a potluck because the husks from the quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) come off the grain and look like mini confetti in the salad.  This salad also keeps very well and develops even more flavour a day or two after being made. 

 Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 cups of quinoa
  • 1-1/2 cups canned black beans
  • 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/3 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1/3 cup marinated eggplant, chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (only add right when serving)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • teaspoon or two of cumin

Cook the quinoa according to package directions, taking care to rinse at least five times before cooking to eliminate bitterness.  Meanwhile combine apple cider vinegar and well-rinsed black beans together in the salad bowl you will be using.  Let the beans marinate until the quinoa is cooked and cooled, then drain the beans and assemble the salad by combining the beans, quinoa and chopped veggies.  Stir to combine and drizzle with a dressing made of lemon juice and a good quality olive oil plus a teaspoon or two of cumin (depending on taste).  Add salt and pepper to taste.  You could also add a touch of the marinade liquid from the tomatoes, eggplant, or artichokes to add another flavour to the dish.  Store in the refrigerator and serve as a healthy lunches or a side dish to chicken or pork.

See also: Summer Quinoa Salad

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December 13 2009 | Recipes | 8 Comments »