Sweet Southwest Salad
- ktsveggielife
- Apr 23, 2018
- 3 min read
Alliteration is not the only great thing about this salad. But before we get into the details of the salad, can I just say Hallelujah for some really nice weather we've been having? I am hoping that the moody part of Utah springtime (70 degrees one day, snow the next) is over. Fingers crossed. Because we have been soaking up these beautiful days with some fun adventures and family time.
So here is a quick recap of what we've been doing and how we have been celebrating our beautiful earth (because I missed earth day...)
My son, who is going to be 3 soon (tears) and adorable, loves to "trail run" aka hike with the dog.
We finally did one of my Live List Items. Antelope Island. I have lived in Utah my ENTIRE LIFE (except 1 year I spend in Colorado) and I only went to the Great Salt Lake for the 1st time last fall. And I have never been to Antelope Island and my husband never wants to go. But after 8.5 years of persistence, he gave in. And he's glad. And we even saw antelope (and lots of bison).
PSA: the biting gnats and mosquitoes have all hatched.
However, the big highlight is this. We got there and realized that we FORGOT the hiking backpack. I left it up to my husband. And he carried our almost 3 year old 6.4 miles up Frayer Peak, which is steep, on his shoulders. He is amazing in every way and the only thing I could think the whole time was, 'DANG.....I love that sexy man,' because we all know being an awesome dad makes you infinitely more appealing to your wife.
And then we mountain biked. Because I am 7 months pregnant. Actually, it was like a single track dirt sidewalk. Totally smooth. So if you are TERRIFIED of mountain biking, or love to ride but need something smooth and easy. Mountain View Trail on Antelope Island is for you.
And we ended the day here. In our FINALLY FINISHED backyard. And we love it so much.
Anyway, now that I've bored you with my life.
The salad.
The salad is delicious. It is cool and refreshing, but really filling at the same time. One of those meals you can eat a ton of and not feel bad about it. (I love those meals). Plus, it is so easy.
The first thing I did was start my beans in my Instant Pot (love that thing so much) because they take about 35 minutes start to finish and then I start my quinoa on the stove. The first thing I chop is my sweet potato so I can steam or roast it depending on my mood. Then I just chop and saute veggies until the quinoa and beans are ready and then you are set to go. Really simple. And if you are using canned beans, then this meal is 20 minutes top to bottom.
Ingredients
1 c quinoa, uncooked
1 c black beans, dry or 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili powder
dash of salt
1 small sweet potato, cubed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved *OR* 1-2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 yellow mango, peeled, seeded, and diced
kale, washed and shredded
1 avocado, peeled and diced
limes, wedged
salsa, optional
Directions
1. Rinse beans and place in pressure cooker with 3 c water and bring to pressure. Cook 25-30 minutes (depending upon your cooker) and let the pressure release naturally.
**If you are using canned beans, wash, rinse, and set aside
2. Combine quinoa and 2 c water in small sauce pan over medium high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until soft, stirring occasionally.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and cube sweet potato and place on a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Sprinkle with cumin and roast 10-15 minutes until soft.
4. Meanwhile, dice onion and garlic and saute in a little oil until soft. Once almost soft, add the spices and salt and stir to combine and prevent sticking.
5. Dice bell pepper, tomatoes, mango, and avocado and set aside. Wash, dry, and shred kale
6. Once beans, quinoa, and sweet potatoes are finished assemble your salad and garnish with lime and salsa.
7. ENJOY
Kommentare