# Needed Ingredients:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables and Herbs
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
→ Vinaigrette
10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Additions
17 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
# Steps:
01 - Combine rinsed quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint if using.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Add cooled quinoa to the bowl of vegetables. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently to combine.
05 - Fold in crumbled feta cheese and seeds or almonds if desired.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
