Monica Swanson

the grommom

Quinoa Fiesta Salad with Black Beans, Kale, and Corn

by Monica 9 Comments

Summer, and salad.  They’re just a match made in hot, lazy, summertime heaven.
amiright?

quinoa fiesta salad
Well, we’re back from California, and one thing is for sure:  After five weeks of traveling, I am so ready to dive back in the kitchen and create some great meals for our family!!

Except…
Except yes–it’s hot.
And a bit sticky–at least here on the island.

And let’s face it, no one feels like standing over a steamy stove when it’s hot and sticky.  No, when it’s hot and sticky you just want to jump in the ocean.
(But the ocean is even so warm this summer that Luke is complaining about sweating while he is surfing.  hahahaha.)

Back to summer and salad:
I don’t know about you, but I tend to lose my appetite in the heat.  I snack my way through the day on things like watermelon and mangoes and then suddenly I look at the clock and it is 6:00 and I’m like, “Ummm….Popsicles for dinner?”

(Little Levi is ALL IN.)
But my teenagers?  They are like no way.
They want all of the food.  All of the time.

So, my solution is to create some delicious salads that are totally refreshing, yet substantial enough to call a meal.  Complete with all of the food groups:  Protein, carbs, veggies, and some healthy fats.  I serve them with some crusty bread, or just chips and salsa (it’s summertime!)
Then let them eat ice cream.  

quinoa, black bean, corn, and kale salad

This salad is one of our favorites.  Quinoa is packed with protein, but I still added grilled chicken breast to this one. ^   Because there are a lot of muscles being built in this house right now.
quinoa, black bean, kale and corn salad

Lime and olive oil, paired with black beans with the crunch of corn and kale…Mmm.  I love a bit of garlic, and a good dash of salt and pepper…The flavors are just perfectly summer.
Print this baby out, and make it tonight!

5 from 1 vote
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Quinoa Salad with Kale, Corn, and Black Beans

Course Salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Author www.monicaswanson.com

Ingredients

  • I double this for our family
  • 3 cups cooked quinoa 1 1/2 cups uncooked
  • 1 cup fresh kale torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup corn frozen, or fresh
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • optional 1-2 cooked chicken breasts, diced.
  • optional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (or your choice) cut into small cubes or shredded.
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or according to taste--add a little at a time and check texture and flavor
  • 2 T. cup lime or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste--usually takes a bit more for mine.
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper or to taste--
  • *optional add chopped veggies like onion, red or green pepper.

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions (I sometimes cook it in chicken or veggie broth)
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, combining well.
  3. Add the salt, pepper, and olive oil according to taste. I like a lot of lime juice so I add a bit extra of that as well.
  4. ENJOY!!

Side note:   I always make extra so we can have it for lunch the next day!  Quinoa seems to soak up the flavors really nicely.  (But from experience:  I toss anything leftover on day three.  Quinoa has an official 3 day limit. :))quinoa fiesta salad

Let me know if you try it! And just a warning, I might be coming back with a few more salads this summer!
(Even if I’m mostly eating these all day.)

*remember to PIN to save for later, and “share” so your friends can see it too! 🙂

What do YOU crave most in the summer?  Or if it isn’t summer where you are–(hello Down Under, :)) What are you craving these days!?

XO
Mon

Aloha, Monica

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    August 19, 2015 at 4:53 pm


    I made this yesterday for lunch! Let me just say it is delicious! I have never made or eaten quinoa before…I am hooked now…I used red quinoa and added extra lime like you said and avocado…its like a pico salad! yum yum!my kids ran from it but more healthy yummy goodness for me!

    Reply

  2. Penny says

    July 19, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    Welcome home Monica! I’m trying this recipe tonight, it looks perfect. We’re having a girls week here on the North Shore with some of my girl friends who have come as far as NYC! We all love salads! Mahalo, Penny

    Reply

  4. Jo Turner says

    July 11, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Will definitely try this …once we hit summer again! Right now in Melbourne we are having daytime temps of 11 degrees so. My growing cannot be filled boys are craving hearty warm filling meals…and then want to know what else they can have to fill up on. Where do they put it??

    Reply

  5. Cammie says

    July 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    When I think of summer, I think of fresh fruit, and barbecues. I love to grill everything possible (or have my husband grill, :)) keeps the kitchen cool and brings us all outside. I love summer. (And yes I’ll be trying this salad too!) XO

    Reply

  6. Jen H. says

    July 10, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    I love quinoa–I make your other quinoa salad all of the time, so I know I’ll like this one too. I was pleasantly surprised that my kids all liked quinoa in a salad too!
    Yum–Love your recipes!! thanks.

    Reply

    • Monica says

      July 10, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      So glad you liked the other salad and isn’t it great–My kids love quinoa too! It’s like a small victory to find really healthy things that kids actually love!

      Reply

  7. Carrie says

    July 10, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Yum! I love everything in this! And yep—I’m with you, Salads and summer go together! I also think of strawberry shortcake and garden fresh veggies that we only get in the summer. I only wish it lasted longer!

    Reply