QUINOA AVOCADO AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

QUINOA WITH AVOCADO AND BLACK BEANS by CHEF DAN:

Serves 4-6

QUINOA INGREDIENTS:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

1-3/4-cup water

2 teaspoon chili powder

2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, coriander, cumin, and salt

DRESSING:

2 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons agave nectar

2 teaspoons Sriacha Chili sauce

SALAD:

1 (14.5 Oz) can black beans

Handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/2-marinated red onion (recipe to follow)

1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks

1 avocado, chopped into chunks

10-baby portabella mushrooms, quartered

3 cups arugula

1/4- cup toasted pine-nuts.

DIRECTIONS:

1.   Marinated red onion.

2.   Bring 1/2-cup red wine vinegar to a boil.

3.   Remove from heat and add red onion and let rest 15 minutes.

4.   In a skillet combine quinoa, ingredients,

5.   Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

6.   Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.

7.   In a bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients.

8.   In a serving bowl combine quinoa mixture, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, avocado, mushrooms and arugula.

9.   Toss with dressing and top with toasted pine-nuts.

ENJOY DAN:                                (BON-APPETITE!!)