Quinoa with Corn, Tomatoes, Avocado, and Lime Recipe

By
Jennifer Segal
Jennifer Segal is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Jennifer Segal

Jennifer Segal is the chef and photographer behind Once Upon a Chef and the author of two cookbooks:Once Upon a ChefandOnce Upon A Chef: Weeknight/Weekend.

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Updated Aug. 30, 2018
20110803-quinoa-salad-corn-tomatoes-avocado-lime.jpg

Quinoa (pronouncedkeen-wah) is a high protein seed that has a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture. Though it looks like couscous and is eaten like a grain, it's actually a cousin of spinach, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens. It's wonderful when cooked right—the key is not to follow the package's instructions, which always call for too much liquid and results in way too mushy quinoa. The ideal ratio is one cup of quinoa to 1 2/3 cups of liquid.

You can make this salad a day ahead of time; just be sure to add the avocado at the last minute so it doesn't discolor. The quinoa will cling to it, so it's best to scatter it over the top rather than mix it in.

Finally, be very careful when chopping jalapeño peppers. The juices and seeds can irritate your skin so it's a good idea to wear gloves. At the very least, keep your hands away from your eyes and wash them well when done.

Recipe Facts

5

(3)

Active:45 mins
Total:45 mins
Serves:4 servings

Rate & Comment

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  • 2tablespoonsolive oil, divided

  • 1/2cupchopped yellow onion, from one small onion

  • 1cuppre-washedquinoa(if not pre-washed, follow package instructions for rinsing)

  • 1 2/3cupslow-sodium vegetable broth(recommended brand: Swanson Organic)

  • 1teaspoonsalt, divided

  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes, from2mediumtomatoes

  • 1 1/4cupsfresh cut cooked corn, from 2 cobs

  • 2scallions, white and green parts, finely sliced

  • 1smalljalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

  • 1/3cupchopped fresh cilantro

  • 2tablespoonslime juice, from 1 large lime

  • 1avocado, cut into bite-sized chunks

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add quinoa to onions and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add vegetable broth and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil. Cover pan tightly with lid, turn heat down to low and simmer for 17 to 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is cooked. Transfer cooked quinoa to mixing bowl and chill in refrigerator.

  3. When quinoa is cool, add remaining tablespoon olive oil, tomatoes, corn, scallions, jalapeño, cilantro, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Right before serving, scatter avocado chunks over top.

Nutrition Facts(per serving)
297 Calories
14g Fat
41g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 297
% Daily Value*
Total Fat14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol0mg 0%
Sodium828mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 9g 31%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein7g
Vitamin C 60mg 302%
Calcium 70mg 5%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 975mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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