Quinoa Salad

Salad Steps

Best when prepared hours in advance

1. I use the time while waiting for things to boil and cook to make sure the dressing will be ready when the quinoa is done
2. Not all quinoa comes pre-rinsed, which is a critical step. The label should indicate if it was rinsed. If you need to, use a strainer with a fine screen. Rinse until the water runs clear.
3. Bring the beef broth to a slow boil
4. Add the quinoa and then when the broth returns to a slow boil cover and turn the heat to low
5. Wait 12 minutes
6. Uncover, briefly fluff, cover again for 15 minutes
7. At 15 minutes thoroughly toss the quinoa with the dressing 
8. Add all remaining ingredients and toss until even blended.
9. Let freshly blended salad set for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight

Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup quinoa
• 60 grams or half a cup of finely chopped onion
• 1 whole red pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 whole avocado, diced
• 15 oz can of black beans
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, quartered

Dressing Steps

1. The goal is emulsificaton. I added all dressing ingredients to a small blender container for my Magic Bullet and then let it go for 40-60 seconds shaking it every now and then.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 10 grams or 1/2 cup of loosely packed cilantro without the stalks
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper