Refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 15-oz can chickpea
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 0.5 red bell pepper
• 0.25 red onion
• 0.5 cup parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh mint
• 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp granulated garlic
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

1. 1Cook quinoa with 2 cups water and 1/4 tsp salt according to package directions; let cool completely.
2. 2In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, diced roma tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, pine nuts, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
3. 3Whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, granulated garlic, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
4. 4Add the cooked quinoa and rinsed and drained chickpeas to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. 5Chill the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.