Lora’s Vegetarian Quinoa Salad

This is a salad I often have for lunch and I think it’s quite tasty and certainly is healthy. My husband and kids like this “bird seed” salad too. lolCoach Lora Erickson“Blonde Runner”Lora’s Vegetarian Quinoa Salad1 cup quinoa3 cups waterDash of lemon juiceDash of vinegar (sometime I use white, other times balsamic)2 cloves garlic, minced1 large tomato dices (fresh from the garden – yum)½ cup diced cucumber¼ cup finely chopped white or purple onion¼ cup fresh chives from the gardenFresh herbs to taste , minced (cilantro or basil is good)1 Tablespoon canola or olive oilSalt and pepper to tasteRinse quinoa well and add the water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest and cool for a few minutes then stir in the garlic, onions etc and veggies. Enjoy. So yummy (and healthy)!Health Benefits of Quinoa:Quinoa (Keen-wah) is often considered a “grain” or “seed” from South America and is quickly becoming more popular in America. Quinoa is a very versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is packed with high quality protein/amino acids as well as other important nutrients like iron. Despite it’s higher carbohydrate content it is considered a low glycemic index and gluten-free food. It is also high in natural fiber.