Quinoa Salad

This is such a flavorful, yummy salad!

Quinoa Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup peas
  
• 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 celery sliced thin
  
• 1/2 green or red pepper, sliced thin
• 1 medium ripe tomato
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  
• Options: Chopped scallions, dried unsweetened cranberries
• Dressing:
  • 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • fresh minced garlic, minced fresh ginger

    Quinoa Salad Directions

    1. The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated if you like
    2. Soak the quinoa 15 minutes in cold water
    3. Rinse thoroughly, pour off most of the water and drain through a large fine mesh strainer
    4. Place in 2 qt pot with the water, salt and oil
    5. Bring to a full boil
    6. Cover the pot, let boil another minute, turn the heat down to very low, and cook for 15 minutes
    7. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with lid on
    8. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside to cool. Setting the pan in a sink full of cold water cools the quinoa quickly
    9. Steam the carrots and green veg for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, drain, rinse in cold water and drain again
    10. Chop the tomatoes, herb and cucumber
    11. Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk or shake in a jar
    12. Gently combine veggies, seeds, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
    13. Cover and chill