Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Servings: 6
Author: David Buckingham

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 cup quinoa measured when dry
  • 2 sweet potatoes, large ~4 cups
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 red pepper, large chopped
  • 15 oz canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz fire-roasted corn drained
  • 1 avocado, large diced
  • fresh lime juice

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream

Instructions

  • Place the quinoa, a little olive oil, a dash of salt, and 1-1/4 cups of water in to the Instant Pot. Turn the valve to sealing and cook on high pressure for 1 min. Allow for pressure to release manually, about 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool before assembling the salad.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-size chunks. Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper (to taste).
  • Roast the potatoes in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and add in the chopped peppers and toss around with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Return to the oven and cook for another 10-20 minutes or until the peppers are crips-tender and the potatoes are tender.
  • Remove from the oven and toss with drained and rinsed (but completely dried) black beans and corn. Set aside to allow to come to room temperature.
  • Assemble the salad: Add quinoa to a bowl with the sweet potato, pepper, black bean, and corn mixture. If enjoying immediately, add avocado, and a squeeze or two of lime juice.

Dressing

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a powerful small blender. Season to taste with salt and pepper and pulse to blend until smooth. Add dressing to individual salad plates/bowls and enjoy!