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Ensalada de Quinua

A vibrant Peruvian salad featuring fluffy quinoa tossed with sweet choclo, avocado, queso fresco, and a sharp lime dressing.

30 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

PeruvianSaladStovetopVegetarianHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup white or tricolor quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup choclo corn kernels, thawed
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 1 cup rinsed white or tricolor quinoa and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed, then fluff with a fork and cool.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt.

  4. 4

    Add cooled white or tricolor quinoa, 1 cup thawed choclo corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, 1 diced avocado, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.

  5. 5

    Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Questions

How long does Ensalada de Quinua take?

As written, 30 minutes: 15 of prep and 15 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (15 minutes): "Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed, then fluff with a fork and cool."

What should Ensalada de Quinua look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until all ingredients are evenly coated and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Is there a substitute for queso fresco in Ensalada de Quinua?

The entry for Ensalada de Quinua calls for 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled. In its place: Mild feta, rinsed, or farmer cheese.

Is Ensalada de Quinua vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan salad collection.

How many calories are in Ensalada de Quinua?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 280 calories, with 9 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate and 12 g fat, plus 6 g fiber and 320 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Ensalada de Quinua keep?

The base of Ensalada de Quinua is quinoa, which holds up: it keeps three to four days refrigerated and tastes better after a few hours, once the dressing has soaked in. Hold back a spoonful of dressing to freshen it before serving. It does not freeze.

Serve it with

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More Peruvian entries

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