Recipe: Black Bean, Corn or Celery, Avocado, Red Quinoa

This yummy but nutritional recipe makes a great side dish and if you’re up to it, you can double the recipe since it makes for a tasty left over and is refreshing when chilled.

Yield: 6 servings
Recipe category: Salads
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy

Here’s what you’ll need…

• 1 cup Red Quinoa, cooked with broth
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 – 15 oz. can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 2 cups roasted corn kernels (I replaced the corn kernels with 3-4 stalks of diced celery)
• 1 avacado, cut into 1/2 inche pieces (omit this for less fat)
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 3/4 cup Cilantro Salad Dressing
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 extra virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 lime
• sea salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Place 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups broth in a 1 1/2 quart saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed, for about 10 to 15 minutes.  When done, the grain appears soft and translucent, and the germ ring will be visible along the outside edge of the grain.
2. While quinoa is cooking, in a medium to large bowl combine beans, corn (or celery), avocado, tomatoes
   and onion.
3. Top mixture with salad dressing (see below recipe for help) and toss gently. Add salt, pepper and lime zest to taste. Add only 1/2 of the bunch cilantro and save the other half for the next step, and gently toss once more. Set aside.
4. When quinoa is cooked, toss with olive oil; add salt and pepper to taste. Set
   aside to cool. When ready to serve, spread quinoa on a large serving platter and
   top with corn and bean mixture. Garnish with remaining cilantro.

Homemade Salad Dressing Recipe:

You can use this recipe or try a cilantro dressing by either Trader Joe’s or Fresh & Easy.

Here’s what you’ll need…

• 5 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 whole Garlic Clove, Finely Mined
• ½ cup Cilantro, Finely Chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin, to taste
• ⅓ cups Olive Oil
• ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine above ingredients and whisk or blend, that’s it!

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 406 calories, 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, 18g fat (2g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 13g fiber, 660mg sodium, 11g sugar.

Bon Appétit!

Von James is a Hollywood Body Transformation Expert who has helped thousands of women and men over the last 12 years, to build toned, sexy bodies via his Extreme Burn Fitness & Eating Lifestyle System.