Summer Salads

I like salads in the summertime because they are quick, easy and often, do-ahead. This one is from an old favorite, Moosewood Restaurant Low Fat Favorites, and is surprisingly good. I say surprisingly because I do low fat kicking and screaming. I give up sugar much easier than I give up olive oil, mayo, bacon, and avocado. :/

  The recipe calls for Quinoa but you can substitute brown rice, barley, corn, or just about anything you like…

Quinoa is a mild grain…high in protien. I believe it is related to wheat but many people who cannot eat wheat can eat quinoa.  Really a nice way to introduce this grain to the family.

2/3 c quinoa

2 c water

2 tsp olive oil

2 Tbs fresh lime juice

1/4 c chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp coriander

1/4 c minced red onion

3 c cooked black beans

4 c diced fresh tomatoes

2 c diced bell pepper (nice to do a color medley here, there are so many colors to choose!)

1 Tbs minced chiles (more to taste)

salt and pepper to taste

lime wedges to garnich

Rinse the quinoa in a sieve under cool, running water. In a saucepan bring the water to a boil , add the quinoa, cover and simmer on low heat until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.

  Allow to cool.

In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients except lime wedges, add teh cooled quinoa and combine thoroughly. Refrigerate several hours. Garnish with lime wedges

  O.k..I will admit..I like this with strips of corn tortillas…FRIED until crispy.

  Serves 8 as a side dish

197 colories…8.9 g protien..2.8 g fat…..35.1 g carbs.