Tempting Tex-Mex quinoa salad bowl: A step-by-step recipe
Tex-Mex quinoa salad bowl is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines the hearty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the health benefits of quinoa. Originating from the culinary fusion along the Texas-Mexican border, this dish has gained popularity for its versatility and ease of preparation. It's a perfect choice for vegetarians seeking a protein-rich meal. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
Gather one cup quinoa, two cups water, a can of black beans (drained, rinsed), one cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen), a diced red bell pepper, half a finely chopped red onion, a diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, juice of two limes, two tablespoons olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add a teaspoon of chili powder or cumin.
Cooking the quinoa perfectly
Start by rinsing quinoa under cold water to remove its bitter natural coating. In a saucepan, mix the quinoa with two cups of water and heat until boiling. Then, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let it sit covered for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Preparing the salad components
While the quinoa is cooking, begin to prepare your vegetables. Drain and rinse your black beans thoroughly; dice the red bell pepper and finely chop the red onion. Then, dice your avocado and carefully chop the cilantro. If using frozen corn kernels, make sure to thaw them in advance or cook them briefly in boiling water, followed by cooling under cold running water.
Mixing it all together
In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, creamy diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients to ensure they mix well and are evenly distributed. This step blends the textures and flavors, ensuring a balanced and delicious bite in every spoonful of the salad.
Dressing your salad
In a small bowl, whisk lime juice and olive oil with salt and pepper to taste. Add chili powder or cumin if using. Mix these well. Then, pour the dressing over the salad in the large bowl, tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step combines flavors for a perfectly seasoned salad.
