Black-Bean and Tomato Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. Steamed, it makes a perfect partner for lime-spiked black beans and fresh tomato.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons lime zest, grated
• 2  tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1  cup quinoa
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2  medium tomatoes, diced
• 4  scallions, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
2. Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.
3. Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve).
4. Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over medium heat until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.
6. Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.