This salad’s simple appearance belies its delicious combination of Mexicaninspired flavors. Studded with corn, pumpkin seeds, and red peppers, it makes a substantial lunch on its own, or a side dish for dinner.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 or 3 limes), plus 1 lime cut into wedges

　　1 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1 teaspoon chili powder

　　1 garlic clove, minced or pressed

　　1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

　　Coarse salt

　　2 3/4 cups water

　　1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained

　　2 ears corn, kernels cut from cob

　　1 red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, diced

　　3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

　　1 large jalapeño chile, diced (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired)

　　1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

　　1 ripe, firm avocado

　　1 head red-leaf lettuce, leaves separated (inner leaves reserved for another use)

　　1/4 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted (page 57)

　　

Step 1

Whisk together lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic, oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

　　

Step 2

Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add quinoa; return to a boil. Stir once, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until quinoa is tender but still chewy and has absorbed all liquid, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat. Fluff quinoa with a fork. Place corn kernels on top of quinoa, cover pan, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir corn into quinoa, and transfer to a large bowl to cool.

　　

Step 3

Add red pepper, scallions, jalapeño, and cilantro to quinoa mixture, along with 1/2 cup dressing (or to taste); toss until combined. Season with salt, if desired.

　　

Step 4

Cut avocado in half lengthwise; remove pit. Peel avocado and thinly slice.

　　

Step 5

Line a large serving platter with lettuce leaves. Mound quinoa salad in center. Arrange avocado and lime on the side. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over salad. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 6

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 7

Calories: 504

　　

Step 8

Saturated Fat: 5.4g

　　

Step 9

Unsaturated Fat: 31.8g

　　

Step 10

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrates: 39.9g

　　

Step 12

Protein: 7.7g

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 398mg

　　

Step 14

Fiber: 9.4g

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