Fiesta Salad

 As the name gives away, fiesta salad is full of colorful, delicious ingredients. If you are looking to incorporate quinoa in your diet, this is by far the easiest salad recipe. It is also known as Quinoa Black Beans and Mango Salad.

It is Vegan, Vegetarian, Kids Friendly, Lactose Intolerance Friendly.

Ingredients:
1. Quinoa- 2 Cups Cooked
2. Black Beans - 2 Cups
3. Mango - 2 Medium
4. Red Onion- 1/2 Small
5. Red Bell Pepper- 1/2 Small
6. Cilantro - Handful
7. Jalapeño - 1 Small
8. Avocado- 1 Large

Dressing:
1. Olive Oil- 3 TBSP
2. Lemon Juice- 2 TBSP
3. Garlic - 1 TBSP Minced
4. Honey - 1 TBSP
5. Dijon Mustard- 2 TSP
6. Black Pepper - 1 TSP or as per taste
7. Salt - 1 TSP or as per taste

Method:
1. Cook Quinoa as per the directions on the packaging. Generally it is 1 parts of quinoa and 2 parts of water or vegetable broth. Bring it boil, then simmer for 15-20 min or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with the fork and it’s ready to serve.

2. While quinoa is being cooked, prepare dressing first and then chop vegetables. In a small mixing bowl, add all the ingredients listed under dressing. Whisk all together until you get a consistent dressing. Keep it aside.

3. For black beans, I am using canned black beans. Alternative is to soak dry black beans overnight, cook in triple water for an hour. In a large mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa and black beans. Pour all of the dressing and mix all well.

4. Add chopped red onion, red bell pepper, mango and jalapeño. Mix well. All the colors are inviting at this point to take a first bite but hold one. One last step is left!

5. Top it with avocado and cilantro and serve!!