Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) water
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
  • 1 cup (150g) English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (30g) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon zest
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
  2. Combine quinoa, water or vegetable broth, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork until the grains are light and separated.
  4. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
  5. Place the diced vegetables, rinsed chickpeas, and chopped parsley into a large mixing bowl.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and oregano until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Fold a portion of the dressing into the warm quinoa to allow for deep absorption, then stir in the vegetable mix and feta cheese.