Quinoa Bean Salad

Quinoa Bean Salad

This healthy salad is packed with delicious ingredients. Feel free to substitute different types of beans and vegetables, depending on what you have on hand. This is a great potluck dish.


makes about 8 servings

1 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup frozen green beans, thawed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 bunch of scallions, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt or pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 avocado, chopped*

Rinse the quinoa with cold water. Put the quinoa and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as it boils, cover and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Make the dressing: Pour oil and vinegar into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well.
In a large bowl combine the beans, corn, green beans, bell pepper, onion, and scallions.
After the quinoa is done, let cool briefly then mix in with the bean mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and season with salt, fresh ground pepper and garlic powder, if using.
Serve at room temperature or chill.

*avocados turn brown fairly quickly after you cut them so wait to add the avocado until right before serving.