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:

  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds to remove the bitter saponin coating.
  2. Combine quinoa, water or broth, and salt in a medium 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 spiraled. Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
  4. 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.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, feta cheese, and chickpeas.
  6. Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.