Easy Healthy Quinoa Salad

This salad is loaded with fresh vegetables.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  cup  uncooked quinoa
• 2  cups water
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas
• 1  medium English cucumber, chopped
• 1  medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1  cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1⁄2-1  cup  crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa then combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the temperature and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let rest for 5 minutes. (Or you can use 3 cups of leftover quinoa instead of cooking more).
2. Rinse the chickpeas. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumbers, peppers, onions and parsley, then set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt then whisk and set aside.
4. When the quinoa is cool, add it to the bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Toss until the everything is thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste, and add extra salt if needed. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using.
5. Let the salad marinate for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
6. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days.