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:
- Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork until the grains are light and separated.
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Place the diced vegetables, rinsed chickpeas, and chopped parsley into a large mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Fold a portion of the dressing into the warm quinoa to allow for deep absorption, then stir in the vegetable mix and feta cheese.