Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

I've recently fallen in love with the spice store called Penzy's.  They are located in multiple cities and states.  Houston has one in the heights that my mother-in-law introduced to me.  She took me there and gave me a gift of selecting several spices.  I am now hooked.  Not only do they have great fresh spices but they have a store magazine that describes the spices and has recipes shared by people from all over.  I got this recipe from Penzy's but made a few alterations and it is so easy and tasty - perfect for the hot summer!

By the way, bear with me as I try to get better at this food photography thing.  Hopefully my pictures will begin to improve!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 mango peeled and diced small
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 red onion, diced small
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 Tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon Penzy's Italian Salad Dressing Seasoning (You could probably substitute with some Italian Salad dressing)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 15-ounze can black beans, rinsed and drained

 Directions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the box.
2. Mix everything together.  Serve chilled.

Comments on Ingredients:

• Benefits of Cilantro (just a few that I particularly care about)

1. Powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis
2. Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products
3. Acts to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)
4. Reduces minor swelling
5. Strong general antioxidant properties
6. Disinfects and helps detoxify the body
7. Contains immune-boosting properties
8. Helps ease conjunctivitis, as well as eye-aging, macular degeneration, and other stressors on the eyes.

• Benefits of Mango (just a few...) 

1. One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes
2. Boosts the Immune System due to high levels of Vitamin C and A.
3. Mangos are a great source of vitamin E!