Who doesn't love the idea of a taco salad? Yeah, us too. But sometimes all that greasy meat, beans, and goopy cheese can be a serious turn-off. So here is an alternative. A sort of deconstructed vegan taco salad. It's quinoa centric. And surprisingly bean-free. But if you love black beans with a white hot passion, add 'em in. You can also add crumbled goat cheese on top, if you desire. Lime adds a bright zip of citrus.
Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Juice from 2 medium, juicy limes
Sea salt, to taste
2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
1 half small red or purple onion, diced fine
1 small yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, diced fine
1 cup roasted corn kernels (I used frozen, roasted on a cookie sheet for 6-7 minutes, then cooled)
1 large head of crisp romaine lettuce, washed, dried, sliced crosswise
Gluten-free tortilla chips
1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed, then cooked in two cups water (I use a rice cooker to do this; here's how.)
1. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. Scoop into a bowl.
2. Drizzle the cooked quinoa with extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat. Squeeze on fresh lime juice and toss again. Season with sea salt, to taste.
3. Add in the fresh chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced yellow pepper, and roasted corn kernels. Stir lightly to distribute. Taste test for seasoning adjustments.
4. Line four salad bowls or plates with the fresh romaine. Spoon the quinoa salad on the center of the lettuce. Add the diced avocado to each plate. Tuck in a few tortilla chips around the edges. Serve with an extra lime wedge.
Serves 4
Seasoning:
I kept the seasoning simple, relying on my favorite New Mexican inspired pairing of lime juice and sea salt.
I made this for Steve- who added a crumbled, hard boiled huevos to his plate and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
He deemed it blogworthy.
More Options:
Add a cup of chilled, drained black beans, if you like your taco salad super hearty.
Add sliced red or yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, if you desire.
Sprinkle with the cheese of your choice.
Serve with your favorite salsa on the side.
Reader Michelle suggests adding diced mango. Sounds yum.
If onions are a FODMAP-No-No for you, omit them.
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