Quinoa salad

Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing

cooking light magazine

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
• 3 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
• 1 (14-ounce) package reduced-fat firm tofu, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen baby lima beans
• 4 cups chopped tomato (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Preparation

Combine quinoa and vegetable broth in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat.

Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté tofu 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat; cool completely.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, basil, and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Stir in quinoa.

Cook lima beans according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Cool completely. Add the lima beans, tofu, chopped tomato, green onions, chopped carrot, and black beans to quinoa mixture; stir gently to combine. Store, covered, in refrigerator until ready to serve.

So when I made this, I basically just did the dressing and the quinoa. I added my own ingredients because I was a little burnt out on beans at the time. I think this would also be good as is. Mine included lots of cherry tomatoes, about three scallions with the green parts only, diced red pepper and slivered almonds. It was so so good. I am a huge fan of this salad. I will be making it again for sure.