Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups (475ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 English cucumber, diced (approx. 300g)
  • 1 pint (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (70g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
  2. Combine quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa looks translucent with the germ visible.
  4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes to release excess steam.
  5. Dice the cucumber and red onion into uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size.
  6. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and finely chop the fresh parsley.
  7. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, and parsley.
  9. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.