Black Bean Mango Quinoa Salad

This comes from a blog called Kim's Healthy Eats. I did not use jalapeno, which the original recipe called for. I made this so that I'd have some black beans to eat to help with my 3rd trimester charley horses (black beans actually have more potassium per serving than a banana). It turned out really well! I used frozen mango that I had thawed (it thaws super well and doesn't get mushy like most frozen fruits) because that's what I had on hand. I'd maybe add a bit more mango next time though, because I like the sweet addition to the mix. It also makes a lot, so be prepared to share!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan bring water and quinoa to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 18-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the seeds are tender. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, mango, onion, red pepper, and black beans.
4. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, mix olive oil, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well with a whisk or shake jar well.
6. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and stir well. 
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve.

Quinoa Burgers

This recipe comes from a blog called Eating Well, Living Thin. These turned out well. I made a few minor changes from the original recipe. I upped the salt, cut the sugar, and used whole wheat flour instead of all purpose.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry (about 1-2, depending on size)
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 2 green onions, white and green parts
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, quinoa, and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cheeses, zucchini, eggs, flour, green onions, and spices.
4. Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil over medium-low heat. 
5. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to about ½ inch thick.
6. Cook until golden-brown, about 4 or 5 minutes, on each side.