This black quinoa salad has a wonderful mixture of bright and rich flavors, thanks to the easy orange cumin dressing.
Last week my husband came home from a trip to Whole Foods, clutching a bag of dark grains in his hand. He had gone in hopes of replenishing our supply of red quinoa, but ventured into a bin in the bulk food sections labeled "Black Quinoa". Aside from the darker color, this new version of one of our favorite grains didn't look significantly different from its red sibling and, therefore, I assumed that the taste and texture would be the same.
According to Ernie New and John McCamant, two farmers who live in the high San Luis valley of Colorado, black quinoa was born by chance. When New and McCamant attempted to duplicate the growing conditions of the Andean Mountains, the seed of the white quinoa crossed with lamb's quarter, a native North American plant. The result was a new species that is now called black quinoa. While the shape of the grain is similar to the traditional white and red versions, the texture is slightly crunchier and has a significantly nuttier flavor.
If you are unable to find black quinoa, don't fret; this salad works just as well with white or red quinoa. The orange and cumin dressing, mixed with tender golden raisins, lends a Moroccan flavor to this easy side dish. It is a satisfying accompaniment to grilled meat. Alternatively, pair with beans for a protein-packed vegetarian meal. The leftovers, if there are any, can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
How to make black quinoa salad:
Pour quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water and golden raisins. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a medium bowl. Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, ground cumin and salt. While whisking, slowly pour in olive oil.
Toss the quinoa with the dressing and sliced green onions. Serve.
Other quinoa recipes:
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Quinoa with Caramelized Crimini Mushrooms, Soy Sauce & Ginger
Moroccan Chicken Quinoa Salad
Printable Recipe
Moroccan Black Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup black quinoa red or white quinoa can be substituted
- 2 cups water
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
The dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and golden raisins. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook until all of the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer to a medium bowl. Allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature.
- Toss the quinoa with the dressing and sliced green onions. Serve.
The dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, ground cumin and salt. While whisking, slowly pour in olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition
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Melanie
This looks totally yummy, but I have to ask where those beautiful bowls were purchased. I'm a sucker for anything that nests...
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Melanie, I found those dishes at our local Asian market. They have great deals on dishes.
Lynne @ CookandBeMerry
What a beautiful salad and such tasty ingredients. I have had white quinoa, but now I will hit my neighborhood Whole Foods for the black variety. Love the crunch. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm looking forward to meeting you at Camp, too.
Belinda @zomppa
I didn't know the history of this - what a neat story! Looks delicious.
Tracy
This looks amazing! I'm so loving quinoa right now so I will have to try this!
Kalynskitchen
I have some black quinoa and keep meaning to try it. This sounds like a great way to use it!
Jen of My Tiny Oven
I love Quinoa! Thanks for a new idea! It looks super tasty!
Jenny Flake
I LOVE quinoa! This looks delicious!
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies
This looks so simple and yummy. I've been wanting to try Quinoa..can I use the regular light coloured instead of black? I've never seen black Quinoa around here.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Asiya - yes, you can use white or red quinoa in place of the black.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
What an incredibly delicious looking dish! I love quinoa and I know my husband and I both would enjoy this so much. Now, to find the black stuff...
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Georgia, don't let the black quinoa hold you back. This dish would work just as well with red or white quinoa.
RavieNomNoms
How pretty...I love that you made them into little mounds. I really love your ingredients, nice combination!