Southwestern Blue Quinoa Salad

Posted By: Amy 4 Comments on Southwestern Blue Quinoa Salad Rate this post!

Posted: Jul 8, 2013 Updated: May 6, 2023

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I received a recipe request from my friend Mary, “a quinoa dish with mushrooms and green beans”.  I first envisioned a dish that was similar to a risotto, so I made Quinoa with goat cheese to give it a creamy texture.  It was good, but not something you would want to make again.  The second time around, I tried for something with a spicy kick and southwestern flare.  I knew I had it nailed, but it needed a cheese, cause everything is better with cheese.  I wasn’t sure if Mary would prefer Blue Cheese or Parmesan, so I asked.  Blue it was and a wise choice.  The marriage of all the flavors makes for one delicious dish.

Thanks Mary for the request, inspiration is always appreciated.  If you are looking for a recipe with a few of your favorite ingredients, I would love the challenge to come up with something for you, ask away!

Southwestern Blue Quinoa Salad

This Southwestern Blue Quinoa Salad is a simple quinoa dish with mushrooms, green beans, blue cheese, and plenty of Southwestern flare. The marriage of all the flavors makes for one delicious recipe!

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Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 -6

Ingredients

Quinoa Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa cooked according to directions
• 1/2 cup black beans rinsed
• 1 cup french green beans cut 1"
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms rough dice
• 1 cup shredded carrots 2 whole, peeled
• 1 roasted red pepper diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 scallions white part only, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Pinch of kosher salt and Pinch of ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 3 ounces of blue cheese crumbled

Dressing:

• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Quinoa Salad:

• Cook quinoa according to directions and set aside to cool.
• In a medium size skillet over medium heat add olive oil.
• Add green beans and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring.
• Add mushrooms and carrots, cook 3-4 minutes until mushrooms and carrots soften
• Add garlic, scallions, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, stir and cook 3-4 minutes.
• Add all ingredients to large serving bowl.
• Add black beans, quinoa, chia seeds and cilantro.
• Add dressing and stir to combine.
• Add blue cheese and gently stir to combine.

Dressing:

• Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.

Notes

Can be served warm or cold

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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