A tasty recipe for quinoa salad with corn and lime dressing

Grain salads are ideal for potlucks, picnics and backyard barbecues. While quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) isn't technically a grain, it's used as one and contains plenty of fibre and considerable protein to boot. Read on for a delicious recipe that will quickly become a family favourite.

• Prep time: 30 minutes.
• Cook time: 18 to 20 minutes.
• Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 175 g (3/4 c) quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
• 4 ml (3/4 tsp) salt
• 2 ears corn, husked
• 65 ml (1/4 c plus 1 tbsp) fresh lime juice
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 50 ml (1/4 c) canola oil
• 500 g (2 c) cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
• 125 g (1/2 c) chopped scallions
• 125 g (1/2 c) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 Hass avocados, diced

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa, 375 millilitres (1 1/2 cups) water and two millilitres (1/2 teaspoon) salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for five minutes. Fluff with a fork, transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Bring 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the corn, cover and cook until tender, about five minutes. Refresh under cold running water. Cut the kernels off the cobs (you should have about 250 grams/one cup).
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) lime juice, the jalapeño, garlic, cumin, pepper and the remaining one millilitre (1/4 teaspoon) salt. Gradually whisk in the oil.
4. Add the tomatoes, scallions, cilantro and corn to the quinoa. Add the dressing and toss to coat. The salad will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just before serving, toss the avocados with the remaining 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) lime juice in a small bowl. Garnish the salad with the avocados.

• One serving is a generous 175 grams (3/4 cup).

Each serving contains:

• 299 calories
• 5 g protein
• 29 g carbohydrates
• 7 g fibre
• 20 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 0 mg cholesterol
• 309 mg sodium

This lively Latin-inspired salad is terrific with grilled pork, chicken or fish. Keep this simple recipe in mind and try quinoa salad with corn and lime dressing today!