Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (170 g), rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water (480 ml) or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150 g), halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (75 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (15 g)
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (5 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- While the quinoa cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Finely chop the parsley and mint.
- In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and honey/maple syrup.
- Whisk until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, parsley, and mint.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors before serving chilled or at room temperature.