Colorful Cumin Quinoa Salad
Quinoa has become a new staple in our house since recently trying it for the first time. By the way, in case you were wondering, it’s pronounced keen-wa.
There have to be hundreds of quinoa salad recipes where it’s mixed with a variety of ingredients. So far, we haven’t been disappointed. This salad is very similar to the Bell Pepper and Black Bean Couscous Salad that Hubby loves so much. The spices are a bit different, and we both really enjoyed this salad, especially the sweetness from the mango!
One Year Ago: Spicy and Sweet Pretzel Party Mix
Two Years Ago: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Three Years Ago: Chocolate Cupcakes and Stuffed Chicken Burgers
Colorful Cumin Quinoa Salad
Yield: 4
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1/2 ripe but firm mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin, or more to taste
Kosher salt, to taste
Directions:
Cook quinoa according to package directions. You should end up with roughly 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
In a medium bowl, combine the warm cooked quinoa, mango, red bell pepper, black beans, avocado if using, scallions, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil, cumin, and salt. Pour dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Refrigerate salad for at least 4 hours before serving for best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from Healthy Food for Living
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
ooh, i love a good brussels recipe, this one is definitely going on the top of my to-try list! and i’m totally with you on pomegranate seeds 🙂
beantownbaker — November 24th, 2013 @ 6:05 pm
Are pom seeds the best.
I will definitely try these. But that’s not why I wrote. I wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you for taking off time to be with your family. It may or may not have been a difficult decision. That doesn’t matter – It was the right thing to do. While you didn’t ask my permission, you didn’t need to. You have my unmitigated support.
Now go enjoy. Just remember to put your feet up now and then and if anyone volunteers, accept their offer without guilt. It will not only give you a break, you will likely have the perfect chance to bond with (and love) your helpers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
beantownbaker — November 24th, 2013 @ 6:09 pm
Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Nice recipe. Thank you. Enjoy your time off and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
Love pomegranates, and I love Brussels Sprouts, so I can’t wait to try this recipe. My boyfriend doesn’t have the same love affair with Brussels Sprouts as I do, but I’m hoping this will help change his mind. Thanks!
beantownbaker — November 24th, 2013 @ 6:11 pm
This is definitely a recipe that could change the tune of a non-brussels-sprouts lover. Let me know how it goes.
It looks fantastic! thanks a lot for sharing the recipe
beantownbaker — December 1st, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
It’s really quite tasty. Let me know if you try it out!