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Crispy Quinoa Summer Salad

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: dinner, lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 437kcal

Ingredients

For the Crispy Quinoa Salad

  • ½ cup quinoa rinsed (or buy crispy quinoa already prepared)
  • oil spray about 1 tablespoon worth
  • 7 ounces romaine lettuce chopped
  • 5 ounces arugula
  • 15 ounce cooked black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 mango peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 cucumber finely chopped
  • 6 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1-2 avocados pitted and sliced

For the Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • 5 basil leaves
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • salt & pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Quinoa

  • Bring a pot with 1.5 cups water to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until most of the liquid has absorbed and quinoa has doubled in size. Turn off heat then cover with a lid and allow quinoa to steam for 10 minutes more. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa as it cools.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a being sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cooked quinoa across the baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through. Cooking time may vary so be sure to check on it regularly to prevent burning! Set aside to cool completely after cooking.

Prepare the Dressing

  • Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Add salt & pepper, to taste.

Assemble the Salads

  • Divide the romaine and arugula into separate bowls. Top with black beans, chopped mango, cucumber, tomatoes and sliced avocados. Sprinkle cooked quinoa over top of each salad. Serve with fresh herb vinaigrette and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Facts are an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients you choose. 

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 1308mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6219IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 5mg