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Charred Corn & Quinoa Salad


Description

This vegetarian salad is all about the charred corn. The lemon and orange vinaigrette are perfect for this bright summer salad.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 ears organic corn, husks removed
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled cojita cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon @ 3 tablespoons
  • zest and juice of 1 large orange about 3 tablespoons
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In small sauce pan bring the water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook quinoa about 20 minutes or until done. Remove pan from heat and transfer quinoa to a baking sheet so it cools more quickly. (Alternately, you could use leftover already cooked quinoa- you’ll need about 3 cups, cooked.)
  2. While the quinoa cooks, heat the grill to medium-high. Brush the corn with the olive oil and grill about 5 minutes total, turning it often so it chars but doesn’t burn. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool before removing the kernels.
  3. When the quinoa is cooled, add it to a large bowl. Add the charred corn kernels, minced red onion, red bell pepper, cojita cheese and cilantro.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, and garlic. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is mixed together. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and corn salad. Sprinkle with extra cojita and cilantro if desired.
  6. Salad can be served room temperature or cold.