Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) water
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1 large (300g) English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 3/4 cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  4. Fluff with a fork and spread onto a baking sheet or wide bowl to cool rapidly.
  5. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.
  6. Mince the red onion and chop the parsley.
  7. Combine the chopped vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and feta in a large mixing bowl.
  8. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is thick and unified.
  9. Pour the cooled quinoa into the vegetable bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top.
  10. Toss gently until every grain is coated and the colors are evenly distributed.
  11. Divide equally into 8 containers.