Southwestern Quinoa

I love quinoa! This is my Southwestern version!

Southwestern Quinoa

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water
3 scallions, diced

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups orange grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

1 avocado, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 can organic corn, drained and rinsed (optional)

(Dressing)

1/4 cup EVOO

1 T red wine vinegar

zest and juice of one lime
1 1/2 T pure maple syrup

1 t minced garlic

1/2 t Himalayan salt

1/4 t freshly cracked pepper
1/2 t cumin

1/2 t dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a pot.  Turn heat down and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until quinoa is soft and all liquid is absorbed. In the meantime chop all veggies and add to large bowl. Mix dressing ingredients in Vitamix until blended well.  Add the dressing and quinoa to bowl and mix well. You can serve warm or cool in fridge and serve cold.