Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad
A colorful, nutrient-packed salad combining grains and vegetables from diverse global cuisines, with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. This global-inspired mediterranean ready in about 35 minutes pairs uncooked quinoa, cooked brown rice, canned black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup, cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup, canned black beans
- 1/2 cup, kernels grilled corn
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pot, combine quinoa and 1.5 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, brown rice, black beans, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional lemon juice if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep uncooked quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Census-Inspired Global Grain Salad?
Global mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
