Greek Quinoa Salad

Here is a simple quinoa salad that is very convenient to pack for work or school lunches.  This balanced meal choice is complete with carbohydrates to fuel your brain, protein and fibre to keep you feeling full, and a variety of vitamins and minerals for overall health!  I enjoy this quiona salad paired with a small cup of yogurt, ¼ cup of nuts and a piece of fruit.

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• ½ green peppers, diced
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup black olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook 1 cup of dry, rinsed quinoa in 2 cups of water (according to package instructions).  Set quinoa aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil and vinegar.
3. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, veggies, feta cheese, black olives and fresh parsley.  Combine quinoa with the above ingredients.
4. Drizzle with dressing and toss until coated.
5. Chill before serving!