Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (190g) quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups (475ml) water or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) sea salt
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup/150g)
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup (25g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh mint, chopped
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Combine quinoa, water (or broth), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, chop all the vegetables: halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion thinly, and halve the olives.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
  5. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.