Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") is a "superfood" with great nutritional value. It is packed with protein, and is a great source of iron and calcium.

This quinoa salad is perfect for a summer day because it is light, and rich with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

 

 

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable stock
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 small cucumber, seeded and diced
• 6 calamata olives, diced
• 3 sun dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup feta cheese rinsed and crumbled
• 1/2 lemon or 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. chopped basil (1 tsp. if dried)
• 1 clove crushed garlic 

Directions

1. Place quinoa in a colander and rinse under cold water for at least one minute. 
2. Combine quinoa, water and salt in a quart saucepan. 
3. Bring to a boil. 
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 15 to 20 minutes. 
5. Spread quinoa out on a sheet pan to cool. 
6. Toss cooled quinoa with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
7. Chill for one hour. 
8. Serve. 

Yields 8 half-cup servings.

Nutrition information: 120 calories, 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 5g fat, 1g saturated fat, 5mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 180mg sodium, iron 10% of daily vitamins, calcium 4% iron 10% of daily vitamins, vitamin C 6% of daily vitamins, vitamin A 2% of daily vitamins.