Sometimes, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected moments. I remember the sunny afternoon spent in my garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the intoxicating scent of fresh herbs. It was there that I stumbled upon a bounty of kidney beans I’d planted earlier in the season. Their rich, ruby color glistened in the sunlight, and I felt an urge to create something vibrant and nourishing that would capture the essence of summer. Thus, the Spiced Kidney Bean & Quinoa Salad was born—a dish that perfectly marries the earthiness of beans with the lightness of quinoa and a symphony of spices.
Ingredients
1 cup kidney beans (cooked and drained)
1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 small red onion (finely chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 avocado (diced)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 lime (juiced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the kidney beans. If you’re using canned beans, ensure they are drained and rinsed well. If you’ve cooked them from scratch, allow them to cool as well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and kidney beans. Next, add the diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the quinoa and bean mixture, and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
Finally, fold in the fresh cilantro, giving your salad a final light toss. This salad can be served immediately, but allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors further, making it even more delightful.
The vibrant colors and zesty flavors of this Spiced Kidney Bean & Quinoa Salad make it a perfect dish for gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch at home. Each bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and warm memories. Enjoy!