Recipe: Quinoa salad with grilled corn, tomatoes and cilantro

Quinoa salad with grilled corn, tomatoes and cilantro

Total time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 to 8

1 cup quinoa

1 3/4 cups water

Salt

2 cups grilled corn (from about 2 ears, cut from the cobs)

2 cups chopped tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes cut in half

1 serrano chile, seeded and minced

3/4 cup chopped green onion

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 3/4 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 cups chopped cilantro

1. Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse under running water until the water runs clear, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the quinoa into a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The quinoa will dry, then begin to stick a bit. Keep stirring and eventually it will begin to toast, smell nutty and turn a light golden color (about 5 minutes total). Add the water and one-fourth teaspoon salt, bring to a slow simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa is dry, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. (Dish can be prepared to this point up to a day in advance and refrigerated tightly covered; bring to cool room temperature before serving.)

2. When ready to serve, transfer the quinoa to a mixing bowl and gently stir in the corn, tomatoes, chile, green onions and 1 teaspoon salt. Combine the lime juice, oil, garlic and cumin in a blender and purée to a smooth dressing.

3. Pour about half of the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir gently to combine. Add more dressing to taste. Gently fold in the cilantro. Correct the seasoning with more salt or lime juice, if needed, and serve immediately. This makes about 6 cups salad.

Each of 8 servings: 138 calories; 5 grams protein; 23 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 4 grams fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 5 grams sugar; 375 mg sodium.