Name: Blackened Green Bean and Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under running water in a fine mesh colander for a couple of minutes; 1 pound long green beans, aka haricots verts (roughly 3 cups); salt and pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 medium red onion, sliced into very thin strips; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped; 2 corn on the cobs, stripped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 to 2 small lemons, juiced; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil; sea salt and black pepper; 1/3 cup sliced almonds (highly recommended); crumbled feta (optional)

Saucepan

Cast iron Skillet

Wooden spoon

Bowl

Whisk

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water and the quinoa. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 to 17 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, cover and set aside.

Chop off the straggly ends of the green beans. Cut them on the bias (diagonally) into 2- to 3-inch long pieces.

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the green beans and a sprinkle of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until spotty brown (4 to 6 minutes).

Use a wooden spoon to push the green beans from the center of the skillet. Add another teaspoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir the garlic into the green beans.

Grab a baking sheet to cover the pan and keep it handy. Add the red onion to the pan, followed by the water and cover until the beans are bright green and crisp (about 2 minutes). Uncover the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until the water evaporates and the beans are lightly browned (3 to 5 minutes) and remove from heat.

Transfer the green beans to a big mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, chopped cherry tomatoes and corn kernels. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and pour it into the salad bowl. Toss to combine. Add salt to taste. If it doesn&#8217;t taste like an end-of-summer party, add another squeeze of lemon and maybe a dash of red pepper flakes.

In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the almond slivers until fragrant and golden. Top the salad with toasted almonds and feta, if you&#8217;d like, and serve.

Blackened Green Bean and Quinoa Salad

Utensils needed:

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