Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
This Cilantro Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients and flavor! With quinoa, black beans, and avocado, it is the perfect lunch to help you power through a busy afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 red pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced
- 2 ounces feta or nut cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add onion and cook for 8 minutes. Add quinoa and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add broth and sea salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce to low and cover. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, until the water is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat and place a clean dish cloth on top of saucepan. Place the lid on top of the saucepan and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet to cool.
- Meanwhile, combine lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cilantro, cumin, chipotle chili powder, and pepper in a blender. Process until combined and then add in olive oil in a steady stream.
- When quinoa is slightly cooled, transfer to a bowl and toss with red pepper, black beans and avocado. Toss with desired amount of dressing. Top with cheese and pine nuts and serve.