Getting Creative and Spicing up the B.B.Q.S

B.B.Q.S (Black Bean Quinoa Salad) with drops of Sunshine

Items used to make lunch under 8 minutes

Treat your body good and your taste buds even better!

Salad Dressing with a Kick

Get creative with your salads, here I added purple onions carrots and Bean Sprouts

                                                 

Salad just with B.B.Q.S and Dressing

 

 Were going into Wednesday feeling energetic and strong! On Wednesday I made a B.B.Q.S (Black Bean Quinoa Salad ) in under 8 minutes again! This time I added a bean, the Garbanzo bean!!! Calling all Hummus Lovers!!!

2 c. Quinoa
1 can Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can Garbanzo Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 c. Pico De Gallo (found pre-made in your local grocery stores, best ones in the Mexican Markets, freshly made)
A few plucks of Cilantro
1-2 tsp. Minced Garlic (if you are going to add the dressing to your B.B.Q.S there is no need to put Oils or Lemon at this time, you also may want to hold off on the garlic)
2 tsp. Grape Seed Oil
a squeeze of Lemon
Salt/Pepper to taste


Dressing
1/3 c. Grape Seed Oil
1/3 c. Olive Oil
1 to 2 tsp. Minced Garlic
2 tsp. Oregano
2 tsp. Lemon juice
1/2 to 1 tbs.Chile Garlic Sauce, or more, depending on how hot you like it.. ( Can be found at local grocery stores in the International/Asian foods aisle.)
Stir with a fork and add to B.B.Q.S. Add dressing to taste, store the rest in refrigerator for a marinate to grill vegetables or another salad. Note: if you are making the dressing, there is no need to add any oil or lemon to the salad prior to adding the dressing.)

I've also added a few Blue Corn chips to this dish. You can even put this salad in a Pita along with the same dressing. Or surprise your next play date with a guilt free delicious dip you and the other moms can dig into. They'll be hitting you up for the recipe once they learn this wasn't a pick up from Whole Foods, but made in your own kitchen!
These are just a few yummy ideas showing the versatility of Quinoa. It being a staple in our home you may see it again but don't worry, not anytime soon. Don't be afraid to get creative with Quinoa. Question, Comments, or want to trade recipes? Well, ya know where to find me!