Quinoa, Mango & Black Bean Salad

From EatingWell: EatingWell Serves Two — Subscribe Now!

The vibrant colors of this salad—orange, red, black and green—signal that it's loaded with phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. And since it features both quinoa—a “complete” protein with all the essential amino acids—and black beans, it's a vegetarian protein powerhouse. Serve on a bed of Boston lettuce or in a pita pocket.

READER'S COMMENT:

"Loved this recipe!.....Caramba! I made it as the recipe stated, but then I added a tablespoon of Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar and spicy chili powder to give it extra kick! Served with sliced avocado, blue corn chips and salsa...

2 servings, about 2 cups each

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa, (see Note)
1 cup water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 small mango, diced (see Tip)
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 cup canned black beans, (see Tips for Two), rinsed
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Preparation

Toast quinoa in a small dry saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until it crackles and becomes aromatic, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly. Return the quinoa to the pot and add water. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk orange juice, cilantro, vinegar, oil, ginger, salt and cayenne in a medium bowl. Add mango, bell pepper, beans and scallions; toss to coat.
When the quinoa is finished cooking, add to the mango mixture and toss to combine.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance (cover and refrigerate). Serve chilled.

Note: Quinoa, a delicately flavored grain, was a staple in the ancient Incas' diet. Toasting it before cooking enhances its flavor, and rinsing removes any residue of saponin, quinoa's natural, bitter protective covering.
Tip: To dice a mango:
1. Slice both ends off the mango, revealing the long, slender seed inside. Set the fruit upright on a work surface and remove the skin with a sharp knife.
2. With the seed perpendicular to you, slice the fruit from both sides of the seed, yielding two large pieces.
3. Turn the seed parallel to you and slice the two smaller pieces of fruit from each side.
4. Cut the fruit into the desired shape.
Tips for Two: Refrigerate leftover canned beans for up to 3 days. Add to green salads and soups; mash with garlic powder and chopped fresh herbs for a quick dip; make Spiced Pinto Beans.

Nutrition

Per serving: 422 calories; 9 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 74 g carbohydrates; 15 g protein; 19 g fiber; 258 mg sodium; 642 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (210% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Magnesium (22% dv), Vitamin E (20% dv).

312 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 1/2 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat to lean