Have you tried quinoa yet? For some it is a staple in their diets, as it is deemed the perfect protein by many. You can read more about quinoa here & here. Others have never heard of it or have seen what it looks like. I was just introduced to it last year myself, and I am starting to use it more and more. It’s not really a grain but a seed, although many considered quinoa a grain.
You can cook it just like rice, so use 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of boiling water on the stove top, and then simmer on low to medium for about 12-20 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the water. You can serve it hot or cold. Rinse it before you cook it to remove the bitter taste.
This is a really fresh dish that can be put together quickly; as you are cooking the quinoa, you can chop the veggies and have a meal in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cooked quinoa (I used 1 1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa)
- 2 kale leaves, chopped & ribs removed
- 2 cups of black beans, cooked (or one can)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 rib of celery, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- juice of 2-3 limes (start with one, and taste as you go)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Chill if desired or serve immediately.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
The Verdict: The lime makes this recipe! Easy adds-ins would be celery, carrots, fresh spinach, or most other raw vegetables. You can add some olive oil, if desired.













This looks amazing! I’ve never actually tried quinoa but I definitely want to try. I started a new blog in hopes of trying more (family friendly) healthy meals. This looks like a great one to try. -Bethany
Hi Bethany, You should totally try the quinoa! It is so good for you and easy to put together! Thanks for visiting!
Yum! We love quinoa here! I make a black bean salad that I like to serve over quinoa. We typically put avocados in it as well, although it isn’t in the recipe.
This recipe sounds wonderful
I need to order some quinoa from the co-op next time!
l