Mexican Bulgur Salad

I used to sneer a bit at new years. Sad but true. But I didn't get the point. An abitrary mark in the planet's orbit, a mere day no different from any other. If it had fallen on the vernal or autumnal equinox, then maybe it would have made sense. As it was, I didn't get it. Resoutions? No way. I was in bed by 11:00 p.m.

Okay, I'm still in bed by 11:00 p.m. But I get the day a little more. It's a chance to take stock, to look back, to look ahead. It's a chance to breathe, particularly at the end of a busy holiday season.

I'm still not too good at resolutions, but here's one for you: get out of the kitchen more quickly. You know we're all about that around here. After all, we teamed with COOKING LIGHT to write the tome on the matter. (Click here if you want to know more.)

So in keeping with a new year filled with great, healthy, but fast meals, here's one of my favorite from the book: a bulgur salad with a Mexican flare, complete with a citrus-jalapeño vinaigrette. It's just the thing for lunch--at home, at your desk, or on the run. It's also so easy that you only have to turn on your stove to boil water! Now that's the way to start the year off right.

For four servings, combine 1 cup (160 grams) fine-grain, whole-grain bulgur in a large bowl with 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. (Never had whole-grain bulgur? Check it out here.)

Stir in 1 3/4 cups (425 grams) drained and rinsed canned black beans, 1 small chopped zucchini, 1 cup (125 grams) corn kernels, 3/4 cup (85 grams) chopped Monterey Jack, and 3 tablespoons minced cilantro leaves.

In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice, 1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice, 2 tablespoons seeded minced jalapeño chile, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Pour this over the bulgur mixture; toss gently. Serve the salad at room temperature or cover and chill for up to 2 days.

Comments

[James @Online Printing Services]

I really love Mexican food especially their salads. I'd love to try this one at home. Thanks!

[Celia]

Oooh, that looks delicious and healthy too! But spend less time in the kitchen? I'd like to spend more this year! :) All the best to you both for 2012!!