Mexican Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and Black Beans
Created by Kchurchill5 on March 21, 2013
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5m
- Cook Time: 15-30m
- Recipe #8689
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
- SALAD
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, cooled and diced (peeled deveined and tails removed)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup mixed color cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), cut in half
- 4 large scallions, diced (white and green parts)
- DRESSING
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon jalapeno, minced (seeds and ribs removed)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- GARNISH
- Sliced avocado
- 1 lime, cut in wedges
How to Make
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Step 1: Quinoa ... Most quinoa these days you purchase are pre-rinsed; but, I still rinse it a couple of times. Quinoa has a coating and needs to be rinsed well. - and, it only takes a minute to rinse. Then, I like to toast the quinoa, in just a teaspoon of olive oil. A minute or two on medium heat, will give it lots of flavor and a bit of color. Then, follow package directions to cook the quinoa - if you want, you can cook in chicken broth or vegetable broth for even more flavor; but not necessary. Cook until tender; then, remove from the heat, and keep cover. Before adding to the salad, make sure to fluff with a fork.
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Step 2: Dressing ... As the quinoa is cooking, add the oil, butter, lime juice/ zest, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, sugar, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix well, and set to the side. I don't like to make this too much ahead; but, if you need to; hold off on adding the cilantro until right before serving.
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Step 3: Salad ... Add the cooked shrimp, black beans, tomato, scallions, along with the cooled quinoa to a large bowl - then mix to combine. Add most of the dressing and toss. Let it rest a few minutes, then add the rest.
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Step 4: Finish and Serve ... Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with avocado slices and lime wedges. Squeeze 1 of the wedges over the salad. ENJOY! A bowl of fresh fruit would make for a wonderful and healthy dinner.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 (442.1 g)
- Calories 778.1
- Total Fat - 41.6 g
- Saturated Fat - 12.9 g
- Cholesterol - 713.9 mg
- Sodium - 2658 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 48.7 g
- Dietary Fiber - 3.1 g
- Sugars - 12.6 g
- Protein - 54.5 g
- Calcium - 353.8 mg
- Iron - 16.8 mg
- Vitamin C - 4.3 mg
- Thiamin - 0.4 mg