Summer Quinoa Salad with Corn and Tomato

By Alqualonde

The salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh seasonal vegetables — you can use whatever vegetables you happen to have on hand. We used corn cut right of the cob, which adds sweet bursts of flavor in each bite. The salad happens to be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, and is a nice option to bring to a summer cookout. It also works well as a lunch or light dinner with a green salad.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry quinoa
• 1 14-ounce can cannellini beans, or 3 cups cooked
• 2 ears corn
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 small shallots
• 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon stone ground mustard
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground pepper

Details

Adapted from acouplecooks.com

Preparation

Step 1

1 Make the quinoa, according to the instructions.

2 While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables: Mince the shallots. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Cut the corn from the cobs. Cut the basil into thin strips (chiffonade). Drain and rinse 1 can cannelini beans.

3 In a canning jar, place 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar in the jar. Add a few pinches kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon stone ground mustard. Shake vigorously to combine.

4 When the quinoa is done, spread it on a large baking sheet to cool it to room temperature quickly. Transfer it to a large bowl. Add the vegetables and the dressing. Add a few more pinches kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Taste, and add more seasoning to taste.