Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing

Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain. Edamame makes a tasty substitute for lima beans in this recipe. For an attractive presentation, serve the salad on a bed of baby greens or spinach.

Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2  cups  uncooked quinoa
• 3  cups  organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
• 1  (14-ounce) package reduced-fat firm tofu, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 3  tablespoons  olive oil, divided
• 1 1/4  teaspoons  salt, divided
• 1  cup  chopped fresh basil
• 3  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 2  tablespoons  Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon  sugar
• 2  teaspoons  grated lemon rind
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  (10-ounce) package frozen baby lima beans
• 4  cups  chopped tomato (about 3 medium)
• 1/2  cup  sliced green onions
• 1/2  cup  chopped carrot
• 1  (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Preparation

Combine quinoa and vegetable broth in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat.

Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté tofu 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat; cool completely.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, basil, and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Stir in quinoa.

Cook lima beans according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Cool completely. Add the lima beans, tofu, chopped tomato, green onions, chopped carrot, and black beans to quinoa mixture; stir gently to combine. Store, covered, in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

232 (24% from fat)

Fat:

6.2g (sat 0.6g,mono 3.7g,poly 1.2g)

Protein:

9.8g

Carbohydrate:

35.1g

Fiber:

6.7g

Cholesterol:

0.0mg

Iron:

3.8mg

Sodium:

722mg

Calcium:

68mg