The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Quinoa Taco Salad

4.87 Mitt(s) 8 Rating(s)8 votes, average: 4.87 out of 58 votes, average: 4.87 out of 58 votes, average: 4.87 out of 58 votes, average: 4.87 out of 58 votes, average: 4.87 out of 5

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Level: Easy

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Description

Quinoa “Taco” Salad has all the flavor and protein of a regular taco salad, but is so much healthier. It tastes clean and rich with flavor. This version uses a mixture of baby spinach and cilantro as a substitute for iceberg lettuce, a common taco salad ingredient. Instead of corn tortilla chips, you have the nutty flavor and slightly crunchy texture of quinoa.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 1 whole Red Onion, Chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • ½ cups Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • ½ cups Yellow Bell Pepper, Chopped
  • ½ cups Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
  • 1-½ teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ teaspoons Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder, Or More Depending On Heat Preference
  • 1 dash Cayenne Pepper
  • 15 ounces, weight Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed
  • ¾ cups Diced Tomatoes, Fresh Or Canned
  • 2 whole Limes, Divided
  • Salt And Pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces, weight Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup Cilantro
  • ⅓ cups Cheddar Or Feta Cheese
  • 1 whole Avocado, diced

Preparation

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.

Meanwhile, swirl a bit of olive oil in a saute pan. Heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and saute for 3-5 minutes, until translucent and tender. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne and peppers and saute for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, and the juice of 1 lime. Stir in the quinoa. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill.

Roughly cut baby spinach into strips like you would shred iceberg lettuce for tacos. Remove about 1 cup of cilantro leaves from the bunch, rinse and pat dry, and toss with the spinach. Divide spinach and cilantro mixture evenly among 4 salad plates. Top each plate with a scoop of the quinoa salad. Top each salad with your choice of cheese and diced avocado. Cut the remaining lime into slices to garnish the plates.

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