Solterito de Quinoa (Peruvian Quinoa and Fava Bean Salad)

About This Recipe

Solterito hails from Arequipa in the Peruvian highlands, traditionally a fava bean salad that's been adapted here with quinoa, the ancient Andean grain that has become one of Peru's most celebrated culinary exports. Fava beans, corn, tomato and red onion provide color and texture against the fluffy cooked quinoa, while cubes of queso fresco add a salty, creamy contrast throughout the salad. Dressed simply with lime juice and olive oil, this salad reflects the Andean highlands' reliance on hearty, protein-rich local ingredients, making it substantial enough to serve as a light lunch on its own.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 cupquinoa(rinsed)
• 2 cupswater(for quinoa)
• 1.5 cupsshelled fava beans(cooked)
• 1 cupcorn kernels(cooked)
• 2tomatoes(diced)
• 1/2red onion(finely diced)
• 150 gqueso fresco(cubed)
• 1/4 cupchopped cilantro
• 3 tbspolive oil
• 2 tbsplime juice
• 1/2 tspsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the quinoa

   Simmer quinoa in water for 15 minutes until tender and the germ has separated, then fluff and let cool.

2. 2

   Combine

   Toss the cooled quinoa with fava beans, corn, tomato, red onion and queso fresco.

3. 3

   Add herbs

   Fold in the chopped cilantro.

4. 4

   Make the dressing

   Whisk olive oil, lime juice and salt together.

5. 5

   Dress

   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

   Let the quinoa cool before combining with the other ingredients — warm quinoa will melt the queso fresco and make the salad look messy.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Variations

• •

  Adding sliced avocado gives extra richness and creaminess.

• •

  A version with black olives is common in some regional variations.

• •

  Substituting cooked lima beans for fava beans works well if fava beans aren't available.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container; the flavor holds up well, though add fresh cilantro if serving leftovers, since it can wilt over time.

Frequently Asked Questions