KAT'S SOUTHWEST QUINOA SALAD

Kat's Southwest Quinoa Salad image

Provided by Kathleen Hagood

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 c white quinoa, rinsed
2 c chicken broth, low salt
1 tsp seasoned salt
a few dashes of cumin powder
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro
TO COOKED QUINOA ADD THE FOLLOWING:
3 Tbsp bottled lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/3 large red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 c onion, chopped
1/3 c fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 c colby-jack cheese, grated
1 can(s) (2.25 oz.) black olives, sliced
1 can(s) (4 oz.) mild chopped green chilies
1 can(s) (10 oz.) hot diced rotel tomatoes (you may drain if you don't want the salad too wet.)
2 Tbsp green stuffed olives, chopped
1/2 of a large fresh jalapeno, chopped
1 medium fresh avocado, chopped
1 medium smoked chicken breast, cooled and chopped (smoked with skin on and bone in, and then remove skin and bone and chop)
powdered cayenne to taste
2 Tbsp celery, chopped (optional) but great for added crunch
1/4 c drained corn (opt.)
1/3 c drained pinto beans or black beans (opt.)

Steps:

1. Rinse your quinoa in a strainer in case any powdery saponin residue remains; then add rinsed quinoa to pan and pour 2 cups of chicken broth in; add seasoned salt, cumin, and fresh cilantro.
2. Cook quinoa according to package directions. You should bring it to a boil and then reduce and simmer 15 - 20 minutes. I like 15 minutes because it is less mushy. The package will tell you that white quinoa turns slightly translucent and the white germ in the center is visible. (I have read that red quinoa keeps it's texture a bit more than white, which makes it good for salads, but I haven't found any to try. Once the quinoa is done, (after draining any extra liquid), pour into a bowl and stick in refrigerator to cool, uncovered. (1 cup of dried quinoa yields about 3 cups of cooked.)
3. Once cool, mix in a separate bowl, the lemon juice, olive oil, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Pour over quinoa. Mix in all other ingredients. Fluff. Chill covered.
4. The celery, corn and beans are nice additions, but my son doesn't like them, so they are omitted from the recipe in the picture. This may actually be served cold or hot.