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:

  1. 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.
  2. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa grains look translucent with a tiny white spiral visible.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly to create a stable emulsion.
  7. Add the fluffed quinoa and crumbled feta to the vegetable mix, pour the lemon-herb dressing over the top, and toss gently to combine.