Quinoa – it’s showing up everywhere, even at some fast food restaurants, so you might think it is overused.  But when made correctly, quinoa is a protein-packed, satisfying ingredient.  Here we do a simple and flavorful roasted corn and quinoa salad recipe.

Maybe you can’t get fresh corn all year round, but frozen corn will also work.  With this recipe, we provide a few quick tips on how to make quinoa so that it is not woefully overcooked, while adding some boldly flavored ingredients that will really pull out the naturally nutty flavor of this amazing grain.

Roasted Corn and Quinoa Salad

Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 to 6 servings
Quinoa is a bit of a blank slate – but the key to good grains is the cooking technique. We toast the grains, like a risotto, then add broth along with water – and we stay light on the water so that you don’t end up with a mushy mess.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Serious Foodie Hatch Chile Sauce (you can also use the Mexican Mole Sauce).
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, plus a few tablespoons for cooking
  • 2 ears corm, husked
  • 1 1/2 cups pre-washed quinoa (it is important to pre-wash)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 3/4 cup vegetable stock
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cups water
  • 1/2 red or yellow bell pepper, diced (we like a combination of both)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced (optional)

     Instructions

  1. Prepare the vinaigrette: whisk together the Serious Foodie Hatch Chile Sauce, lime juice, vinegar, and salt. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously.
  2. Brush a cast-iron skillet with olive oil, and set over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the corn while brushing with olive oil. Using a fork, gently roll the corn to evenly sear – this should take about 3 minutes (alternatively, this can be done on a grill). Remove the kernels from the cob, and save for the salad.
  3. Cook the quinoa: Toast quinoa in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until quinoa is very fragrant and makes continuous popping sound, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer quinoa to bowl and set aside.
  4. Return now-empty pan to medium-low heat and melt butter. Add onion, and saute until onion is softened and light golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high, stir in water, stock, salt, and quinoa, then bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until grains are just tender and liquid is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff quinoa with fork.
  6. In a large bowl, toss together the quinoa, corn, cilantro, bell pepper, green onions and the jalapeno if using.
  7. Mix with the dressing to taste. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to mix. You can serve with additional lime wedges.