I think this is the perfect summer salad. Made with quinoa and fresh garden vegetables.

 

 

I started by rinsing the quinoa. I think it helps it taste better. Then put it on to cook.

 

 

 

While the quinoa was cooking I got some fresh parsley and chopped it up.

 

 

And sliced some cherry tomatoes.

 

 

In a bowl that was too small, I put cooked quinoa

 

 

and chopped parsley.

 

 

Then I admitted that the bowl was too small and dumped it into a larger bowl.

 

 

now I had room for tomatoes.

 

 

I seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.

 

 

Then added some EVOO.

 

 

Zested a lemon and added the zest along with juice of a lemon.

 

 

Mixed, tasted and seasoned again.

 

 

Packed it up and took it on a picnic. 

 

 

I liked it so much I decided to make it again.

 

 

This time I used fresh garlic,

 

 

Fresh basil chopped,

 

 

fresh cucumbers and cheddar cheese but I forgot to get photos of the cheese.

 

 

Put it all in a bowl,

 

 

Seasoned, 

 

 

and served myself some.

I think less raw garlic next time and maybe roasted red peppers might be nice too.

 

 

Quinoa salad

ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley or basil chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
• 2 small cucumbers sliced
• 1/4 cup cheddar chopped or whatever kind of cheese you have
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• juice of a lemon or lemon juice from a jar
• 1 garlic clove chopped
• 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
• season with salt and pepper, onion powder, to taste

Mix all ingredients, or some and substitute others that are in season and eat fresh or pack for a picnic.