Quinoa Salad

We used to get a similar salad at the health food store deli. We liked it so much, I figured out how to make it. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is the only grain that is a complete protein by itself. You must soak it for 5 minutes first to remove the bitter outer coating called saponin. Its much cheaper to get in the bulk bins at Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Trader Joes, or any other health food store. I've found that its outrageously expensive in the small packages at the grocery store. I like to eat it plain, or with a little honey for breakfast. My kids even like it plain. I haven't found any difference in taste between the more expensive yellow quinoa or the less expensive red quinoa. It has a mild, slightly nutty taste. You could add bell pepper, pimentos, black or green olives, capers, mushrooms,...etc. Add or subtract the foods you like. You could even experiment with different dressings. This is a good vegetarian meal with the addition of a bread or soup.

Quinoa Salad:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
pinch salt
1 bunch cilantro, without stems
1 tomato, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
1 small to medium onion, chopped (vidalias are good)
Dressing:
olive oil
huckleberry vinegar (or other fruit or balsamic vinegar)
lemon juice
honey
mustard
Soak the quinoa in warm water for 5 minutes. Using a small screened colander, rinse and place in a saucepan with 2 cups water and pinch salt. Bring to a boil, cover and cook 20 minutes. Cool. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients...use a LITTLE mustard! Experiment here and find a combination of dressing you like. When the quinoa is completely cooled, stir in the veges and dressing. Let sit overnight to develop the flavors. Serve cold.