Tuna, Veggie & Quinoa Salad

damienducks's Note:

A simple salad, but full of healthy ingredients. I love this perpared pilaf style (i.e. no dressing), but my hubby prefers it with the dressing. You can switch up the ingredients, too (I do quite often depending on what I have on hand!)

• Total Time: 17 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

Salad

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 12 ounces tuna in water, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked corn kernel (frozen will work, just defrost first)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herb (like parsley, cilantro, mint)

Dressing (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 orange, zest of
• 4 -6 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Combine quinoa & water in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil over medium high flame, then reduce flame to low and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, till water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 12-15 minutes.
2. Combine tuna, beans, corn, bell pepper, and herbs in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, zest, orange juice, and salt and pepper till smooth.
4. When quinoa is done cooking, let cool a few minutes, then combine with veggies in bowl. Drizzle with dressing (if using), stir to mix. Serve warm or chilled.

Reviews

[gkostova04]

The combination is nice. I like the orangy taste. However, the salad needs more flavor: I think I would like to add something sour (to go with the fish) or something spicy, or anything to add some flavor.

[hclaire]

I just made this and it's unbelievably good. I'm on a quinoa kick right now and this is probably the best quinoa dish I've come across, I just ate it as my main course for dinner. I changed the recipe up slightly. I'm not a huge fan of cold salads, so I went ahead and sauteed the bell pepper along with half an onion and the corn. For the herb, I just used parsley because that's what I had (though I think cilantro would be really good). For a final touch, I added a couple handfuls of chopped pecans and BAM! A most delicious, healthy meal. I was kind of skeptical of how the orange dressing was going to mix with the flavors of the sauteed veggies but it worked out really well. It made a lot and it fills you up fast, so I'll gladly be munching on this for the next few days!