Ingredients:
- 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- 1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup (35g) red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup (40g) Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (2g) lemon zest
- 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine rinsed quinoa, water or vegetable broth, and salt in a medium pot. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa grains look translucent with a tiny white spiral visible.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow residual steam to finish the grains. Fluff gently with a fork.
- While the quinoa rests, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, diced red onion, sliced olives, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly to create a stable emulsion.
- Add the fluffed quinoa and crumbled feta to the vegetable mix, pour the lemon-herb dressing over the top, and toss gently to combine.