Ingredients:
- 1 cup (170g) uncooked white quinoa
- 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- 1 English cucumber, diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- ½ cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon zest
- 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp (3g) dried oregano
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds to remove the bitter saponin coating.
- Combine quinoa, water or broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa looks spiraled. Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture is opaque and thickened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, feta cheese, and chickpeas.
- Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.