How to Make Quinoa Taco Salad

Taco salad, taco salad, taco salad. What could possibly be more fun to eat than a taco salad? Quinoa Taco Salad! Quinoa has many great benefits! It is gluten-free, high in protein, and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also high in fiber, calcium, vitamin E, potassium, and B vitamins. Quinoa is a powerful addition to almost any favorite food.

• Ground Beef
• Ground Sausage
• Quinoa
• Taco Seasoning
• Diced Tomatoes w/ Green Chilies
• Cheese
• Tortilla Chips
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Salsa (optional)
• Sour Cream (optional)

1. Quinoa should be rinsed very well prior to cooking it. Rinse until the powdery residue is rinsed away, leaving clear water.
2. Drain well.
3. Add water to saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add quinoa. Add salt for flavor. Note: The amounts needed will vary.
4. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the grain is translucent and the germ has spiraled out from each grain.
5. Set aside until meats have been browned.

1. Place ground beef and sausage into a heated skillet and break into large pieces, using a spatula or wooden spoon. Break into smaller pieces to help it cook evenly. Cook until completely browned. Drain the meat mixture.
2. Add quinoa, lightly drained diced tomatoes w/ green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir well. Simmer on low setting.

1. Dice the cheese into small squares and place into a container. Add diced tomatoes w/ green chilies. Add a small amount of water.
2. Microwave and stir occasionally, until cheese is completely melted. Set aside.

1. Wash and rinse the lettuce and tomatoes very well.
2. Dice the tomatoes and place into a container. Set aside.
3. Shred lettuce, as desired. Place into a container. Set aside.

There is no special way to arrange your taco salad. It really depends on the person. But for the sake of just knowing... I will share exactly how I arrange mine.

1. First, I place my chips. I like to have regular tortilla chips and Doritos (extra flavor) as the base layer.
2. Then, I layer meat and salsa.
3. Next, I place my lettuce and tomatoes.
4. Next, I top it off with sour cream and melted cheese sauce.
5. Last, it's time to EAT!