Quinoa Salad

Summer is approaching. Not as quickly as I'd like, but it is coming. Our days are getting longer. Love that I'm finally getting up after the sun during the week. Most days now we're seeing the sun, even just for a few hours in the evening. And there are only 42 school days left!

With the sun, and spring weather comes the desire to get out and about more often. This salad that I'm going to share with you is absolutely perfect for summer picnics or backyard barbeques. It's full of flavour but not at all heavy. And it's infinitely customizable, just use whatever vegetables you have on hand or like. And feel free to play with the spice levels to suit your own tastes. Like I said, it's really flexible.

This recipe originally comes from my favourite grocery store, Thrifty Foods, but I've played with the spice levels a bit to bump them up. If you find it dry just drizzle in a bit more oil. If you love feta, like I do, then feel free to add a bit more. Or add it as you portion it out to make sure everyone gets a good dose. Entirely up to you!

Quinoa Chickpea Salad (adapted from Thrifty Foods)

1 C quinoa
2 C chicken stock (or water)
1 19oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/3 English cucumber, seeded and chopped
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in halves or quarters
3 green onions, finely sliced (whites and firm green parts)
1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 C olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/3 C basil, julienned
150-200g feta, crumbled

Bring the quinoa, chicken stock, and pinch of salt to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15mins. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

Combine the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a large salad bowl. Add in the quinoa, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, and cumin. Stir gently to combine.

Add in the basil and feta. Stir gently.

Serve right away or chill a few hours to allow the flavours to meld.

Enjoy!