Simple Quinoa Salad

🕒 Prep Time: 5 min | 🕒 Cook Time: 15-20 min
🍽️ Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups quinoa

• 3 cups water

• ¼ cup lime juice

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 cup parsley, chopped

• ½ cup scallion, chopped

• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse quinoa with cool water until the water runs clear.

2. Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook, covered, for 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.*

3. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.

4. Add remaining ingredients to quinoa and lightly toss.

5. Serve at room temperature.

* I love using my rice cooker for quinoa. Either way, you can make the quinoa ahead of time.

💚The Healthy Bit: Quinoa 💚

Quinoa is one of the rare plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids which makes it a complete protein. It is high in fiber, with about five grams of fiber in one cup, which is beneficial for digestion, blood sugar control, and heart health. Quinoa also contains essential minerals like manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and copper as well as antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.