Protein Packed Mexican Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is packed with protein and vitamins, it is a great gluten free grain choice and is considered a complete protein. A complete protein contains an adequate amount of all of the essential amino acids that should be incorporated into a diet. I have always loved quinoa and add it to everything ….muffins, breads, cookies, soups and salads. You can purchase it almost anywhere now and it doesn’t take long to cook. It  can be stored  in the fridge for up to 5 days.  Here are some great benefits of quinoa:

• Quinoa is rich in protein content. In fact, it is a complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is required by the body to grow and repair tissues.

• It has high content of manganese in it, which acts as antioxidant in the body and helps it get rid of dangerous cancer cells and other diseases.
• The seed proved to be a good source of magnesium, calcium, fiber and potassium.
• It is also gluten free

Recipe

1 cup quinoa uncooked
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup cilantro
juice of two limes
1/8 cup olive oil
1 jalapeno, seeds and gills removed, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse quinoa under cold water in a mesh strainer. Then cook quinoa according to package directions. Let it cool after it is cooked.
Chop all your veggies, cilantro and mix with quinoa adding lime juice and oil.
Enjoy.

Neviana.