How to Cook Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain.

Quinoa is an ancient grain that is full of protein. If you are on a gluten-free diet, quinoa is a great alternative grain that is quite filling. It is cooked in much the same way as rice and can be delicious when paired with the right ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup quinoa grain
• Saucepan
• Water
• 1 can black beans, 15 oz.
• Cilantro
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the quinoa by rinsing the grain in a mesh strainer. In a saucepan, add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to simmer, put a cover on the pan and cook for five minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit until all the water is absorbed. Allow the quinoa to cool and then fluff it with a fork.

2. Chop each cherry tomato in half.

3. Wash a handful of cilantro and pat dry with a paper towel. Remove the leaves and discard the stems. Coarsely chop the leaves.

4. Pour the can of black beans into a strainer and drain off all of the can liquid. Rinse the beans thoroughly in running water and allow to drain.

5. Pour the cooled quinoa into a big salad bowl. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes, the chopped cilanto leaves and the drained black beans. Stir to combine.

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe makes four servings and is a great side dish or a main dish for lunch.

• Add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cumin and red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

• Be sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking, as quinoa sometimes has a dusty film on it.

References

• Vegetarians in Paradise: Quinoa, Soul Food of the Andes