Summer Quinoa Salad

Summery veggies and quinoa with caramelized onions and a tasty vinaigrette.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  cup quinoa
• 2  cups water
• 2  cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2  avocados, diced
• 1  cup artichoke heart, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup basil, chopped
• 2  tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• 2  tablespoons capers, to taste

• Caramelized onions

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  red onion, thinly sliced

• Basic vinaigrette dressing

• 3  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
• 2  tablespoons lemon zest
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Bring the quinoa and water to boil. When the water boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the water is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes. When cooked, quinoa has a texture similar to perfectly cooked pasta, or rice. Strain and rinse well under cold water.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, in a skillet heat olive oil over medium heat and saute the onions until transparent.
3. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining the ingredients and whisking.
4. In a large salad bowl, toss all of the ingredients together, including caramelized onions and the vinaigrette.