Quinoa Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Everyone who has tried this loves it. I came up with this recipe as an alternative to pasta salad. I buy all the ingredients at Trader Joes. Sometimes I get a real craving for this salad. Its tastey, crunchy and healthy. Yum!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) box quinoa
• 1 (8 1/2ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, julienne sliced packed in oil
• 10  ounces black olives, sliced
• 6  ounces  fat free feta cheese
• 4  ounces pine nuts, toasted
• 2  ounces fresh basil leaves, chopped (may add more)
• 6  large fresh garlic cloves, chopped

Directions

1. Thoroughly rinse Quinoa in cold water. Drain well in fine sieve.
2. Dry roast in a large fry pan over med-high heat 10 minute or until golden brown. stirring constantly.
3. Add 4 cups hot water (or however much package recommends).
4. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 min or until liquid is absorbed. (basically, after dry roasting, cook according to package directions).
5. Let cool completely.
6. In large salad bowl, add cooked Quinoa and remaining ingredients. Toss and refrigerate till serving time.