Are your tastebuds ready for a fiesta? The answer is obviously YES. For moments your body craves a veggie dish, this Loaded Quinoa Taco Salad recipe is just the thing. Chipotle-flavored quinoa and black beans make it plenty hearty, while pico de gallo and avocado lend bright pops of color and freshness. Here’s the recipe via Dishing Out Health:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle chiles)
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 cup dry (uncooked) quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable broth (sub water)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 to 8 cups chopped romaine (or lettuce of choice)
- 1/2 cup prepared pico de gallo
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Tortillas chips for serving (optional)
FOR THE BAJA SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado or grapeseed oil)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lime or lemon juice
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
PREPARATION:
Prepare Quinoa Mixture:
Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in adobo sauce, chili powder, and cumin; cook 1 minute. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, and salt; increase heat and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Stir in black beans and let mixture sit (uncovered) to slightly cool while you prepare the rest of salad.
Prepare Baja Dressing:
In a blender or Nutribullet, combine Greek yogurt, oil, cilantro, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper; blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Salad:
Add lettuce to a large bowl or serving platter and season with a pinch of salt. Top with quinoa and black bean mixture, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado. Drizzle dressing overtop and gently toss to combine. Garnish with tortilla chips, if desired. Serve immediately.
