We're experiencing an incredibly cool week of weather- which is simply unheard of for the first week of July in Texas. So in light of not needing to hide out from the heat, we've got the perfect picnic salad for you and yours to enjoy outside in the beautiful weather. With tomorrow being the 4th of July - we know you'll want something tasty to share with friends and family while waiting on the fireworks. So we whipped up something that will be just fine in the cooler alongside a local summer ale.
This salad is a perfect balance of farmer's market finds - or your neighbor's backyard - and a few items from the local grocer. We like quinoa because it's a super food, an incredible protein and it's crazy easy to make. Just like pasta salad or rice salad - quinoa salad is perfect served chilled or room temperature. And it's vegetarian friendly - so you don't have to worry about having a different option for your health-and-earth conscious friends.
Summer Quinoa Salad
4 cups cooked quinoa (follow your package instructions)
1 diced mango
1 pint grape tomatoes sliced in half
2 ears of corn, griled and kernels cut off
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 avocado, diced
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup feta
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
in a large bowl or serving dish combine the quinoa, mango, tomatoes, corn, garbanzo beans, avocado, cilantro, salt, pepper and feta. In a medium bowl whisk together the lime juice and olive oil until combined. Toss the salad with the lime juice and olive oil and serve cold or room temperature.