Quinoa and Black Bean Salad- Fixate Cookbook

If you haven't yet tried quinoa, what are you waiting for? It's protein packed, gluten free and can be substituted in most rice recipes and pasta salad recipes.  The Quinoa and Black Bean Salad from the Fixate cookbook is a great make ahead meal or healthy dish to take to your next potluck.  Feel free to cut this recipe in half as it only keeps 2-3 days in the fridge.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Serves 12- 1 cup each
Container Counts 1 Green, 2 Yellow

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

1/3 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 tsp. Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
2 Cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained
4 1/2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
Black Pepper to taste

4 Cups Water
2 Cups Dry Quinoa (I used red quinoa which is why mine is so dark.)
1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 Medium Orange Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 Medium Yellow Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 10 oz. Bag Frozen Corn, thawed
1 Bunch Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped

1.  Combine lime juice, cumin, and salt in a medium bowl; whisk to blend.
2. Slowly add oil, while whisking constantly; set aside.  (I combined all the ingredients in my high speed blender)
3. Combine beans, vinegar and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well.  Set aside
4.Bring water to boil in medium saucepan over high heat.
5. Add quinoa,  Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, for 10-12 min or until all water has been absorbed.  Remove from heat.  Cool for 15 to 30 min  Set aside.  (Better yet, follow the instructions on your quinoa box.  I always have to let mine simmer for at least 15 minutes before all the liquid is absorbed.)
6. Place cooled quinoa in a large bowl.  Fluff with a fork.
7. Add bell peppers, corn, cilantro, bean mixture, and dressing; toss gently to blend.

I plan on making this recipe again this week!  It was super convenient to have this made ahead and the fact that I could have a whole cup as a serving left me feeling very satisfied without feeling overly stuffed.

Do you have a favorite quinoa recipe?  Share it in the comments below!