Southwest Quinoa Delight

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick yet nutritious meal options can be a challenge. The Southwest Quinoa Delight is a fantastic solution that doesn’t just fill you up but also packs a punch with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without sacrificing taste or time. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed and drained
• 1 3/4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced

For the Lime Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Start the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the quinoa and add the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the quinoa is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the lime vinaigrette over the mixture and toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Final Touches and Serving: Adjust the seasonings to your taste and serve the dish either warm or chilled. For an extra touch of creaminess and flavor, top with guacamole or sliced avocado if desired.

Nutritional Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Calories per Serving: 319 kcal

This Southwest Quinoa Delight is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. It’s perfect as a main dish for a quick dinner or can be packed for a nutritious lunch. The combination of fiber-rich quinoa and black beans, along with fresh vegetables and a tangy lime vinaigrette, ensures a satisfying meal that is both healthy and flavorful.

Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick meal option, or simply someone who wants to eat clean without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. Give it a try and enjoy a burst of southwestern flavors in your everyday meals!