⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped Red onion
• 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup, toasted Sliced Almonds
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

📖 Instructions

1. First, rinse the quinoa: Give your quinoa a good rinse under cold water in a fine-mesh colander. This helps remove any bitter saponins and ensures a fluffier final product. Don't skip this step, trust me!
2. Next, cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. Fluff it with a fork once it's ready.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prep your veggies: Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley. If you're using any other veggies, chop those too now! I like to make sure my knife is super sharp for the best results. If you're clumsy like me, make sure to cut away from yourself!
4. Toast the almonds: In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them; they can burn quickly! Shake the pan occasionally to ensure even toasting. If some burn and become slightly bitter, don't worry; it won't ruin the whole batch, but it is best to avoid that!
5. Assemble the salad: Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the chopped red onion, fresh parsley, toasted almonds, and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together to combine.
6. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. I usually start with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper; you can adjust from there.
7. Optional additions: I like to add a splash of olive oil, but it's entirely up to you! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a light vinaigrette dressing. Remember, cooking is all about creating what you find most enjoyable!
8. Serve and enjoy: Transfer your delicious quinoa salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately! It's a perfect side dish or a light, healthy lunch or dinner, especially if you are looking to save time in cooking. It's also amazing when cold, making it a great option for a picnic or to bring to work for lunch. I prefer a nice big bowl, but you can serve it in smaller portions if you want to eat it on the go!

📝 Notes

• For a creamier salad, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. You could add some feta cheese too, if you want!