Black Bean And Tomato Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a fast-cooking, protein-packed whole grain. Steamed, it makes a perfect partner for lime-spiked black beans and fresh tomato.

Whisk together lime zest and juice , butter , oil , sugar , 1 / 2 teaspoon salt , and 1 / 4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl , draining in a sieve each time.

Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water , uncovered , until almost tender , about 10 minutes.

Drain in sieve , then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water.

Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel , then cover sieve with a lid and steam over medium heat until tender , fluffy , and dry , about 10 minutes.

Remove pot from heat and remove lid.

Let stand , still covered with towel , 5 minutes.

Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed , then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

lime zest, fresh lime juice, unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, scallions, fresh cilantro