Santa Fe Quinoa Salad

Contributed by Chad Aaland

ACTIVE: 20 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
SERVINGS: 4

•FAST
•HEALTHY
•MAKE-AHEAD
•VEGETARIAN

At L.A. Bento in Los Angeles, chef Chad Aaland makes quinoa salad with three types of beans and house-pickled onions. This streamlined version with black beans and jarred cocktail onions is tasty, too.

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3/4 cup quinoa (about 5 ounces)
1 1/2 cups water
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
Freshly ground pepper
One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
One 3-ounce jar cocktail onions, drained and finely chopped

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and a pinch of salt; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet; refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the cumin seeds over high heat, shaking the pan, until fragrant, about 2 minutes; transfer to a blender. Add the lime juice and oil and blend. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing into a bowl and add the black beans, bell pepper, cilantro and cocktail onions. Scrape the quinoa into the bowl, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Suggested Pairing

Juicy, plummy Malbec from Argentina.

Santa Fe Quinoa Salad

Suggested Pairing

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