Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only vibrant and delicious but also packed with nutrients? Introducing the "Most Requested Vegan Dinner" — a quinoa salad that’s bursting with flavor and color! This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Dive into a world of wholesome ingredients, and discover why this vegan dinner has become a favorite among food enthusiasts everywhere!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the broth. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and set it aside. Rinse and drain the black beans, and measure out the corn.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced red bell pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Next, add the diced avocado to the mixture. Be gentle to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Once ready, serve the quinoa salad in bowls. You can garnish with additional lime wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your Most Requested Vegan Dinner, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! It’s essential to wash away the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste, ensuring a clean and pleasant flavor in your dish.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This helps it become even fluffier and allows any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the red bell pepper for other colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch and flavor.
- Add Some Spice: For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after mixing helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or adding a few lime wedges for a pop of color.
- Make It Ahead: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the avocado separately to keep it fresh until serving.Enjoy crafting this delightful vegan dinner, and watch as it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
