Quinoa Taco Salad
A healthy, tasty spin on a taco salad that will surprise you with how delicious it is! Low-saturated fat, high-fiber, and high-protein will keep you full and happy for hours (and your digestive tract will thank you as well)!
During my time as a nutritional sciences student, I've learned how important fiber is in our diet and how little we normally consume. Fiber is not only a great way to feel fuller longer and improve digestion, but it also has health benefits such as lowering cholesterol!
Substitutions: To make this dish vegetarian and vegan friendly, miso paste, nori seaweed, or capers may be used instead of anchovy paste.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup rewashed white quinoa
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- Salt & Pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle Chile in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup homemade or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 head escarole (1 pound), trimmed and sliced thin
- 2 scallions, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed
- 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped
- 2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (1/2 cup)
Equipment: Large/medium saucepan, rimmed baking sheet, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, measuring cups/spoons, whisk, and 2 bowls (1 small, 1 large).
Directions
- Toast quinoa in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until quinoa is very fragrant and makes continuous popping sound, 5-7 minutes; transfer to bowl.
- Heat 1 tablespoon in now-empty saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in chipotle, tomato paste, anchovy paste, and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and toasted quinoa, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Spread quinoa onto rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Add escarole, scallions, and 1/4 cup cilantro and toss to combine. Gently fold in beans, tomatoes, and avocado. Transfer to serving platter and top with quinoa, queso fresco, and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro. ENJOY!
Author
Stefanie Eastin
