Colorful Quinoa Salad

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Quinoa lends itself nicely to no-oil dressings because of its moist and glossy finish. The addition of all the colorful vegetables makes a lovely presentation for potlucks and group functions.    It is also a delicious whole-meal salad for brown-bagging and daily lunches!

 

This is a large recipe, so it you are making it for just two people you might want to cut it in half.

It is delicious with the flavorful peppers and onion, but the addition of 1/4 cup finely chopped herb of choice can also be added, such as basil, parsley, cilantro, etc.

 

 

 

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Colorful Quinoa Salad

Yield: 10 cups
Prep Time – 20 - 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups quinoa

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teas garlic powder

3/4 tsp salt

 

1/2 cup green onions, sliced ¼”

12 oz. can black olives, sliced

3/4 cup diced red bell pepper

3/4 cup diced yellow bell peppers

1 cup garbanzos, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced small

optional herbs*

 

6 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or to taste)

1/4 – 1/2 teas salt (to taste)

Instructions:
  1. Put quinoa in a fine mesh colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well. — This will remove the bitter coating on the grain and leave it with a nice pleasant taste.
  2. Combine water and the rinsed quinoa; stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and all the garlic powder. Bring to a boil, cover and turn to simmer.  Cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.  Remove from heat.
  3. Keep covered and let stand for five minutes, then fluff with fork and set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare vegetables while quinoa is cooking.
  5. After the quinoa is completely cooled, add the vegetables, the lemon juice and the remaining salt, sprinkling it evenly over all.  Stir, folding carefully from all sides to blend salt and lemon completely.  Taste and make any needed adjustments.
  6. Chill for 30 minutes.  Always stir before serving.
Notes:

*this salad is delicious just as it is, but if desired, 1/4 cup minced herb of choice, such as basil, parsley, cilantro, etc. could also be added.