Quinoa Salad

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). I watched this grow in  popularity over the years until almost everyone has at least heard of it or tasted it. It has highly nutritive grain value and is one of the latest healthy foods crazes out there. It has an odd little beady ball consistency on your tongue and an earthy like flavor. I think you either love it or hate it but I'm here to share my recipe to help you love quinoa. The flavors of this recipe are not only really tasty but it is a healthy one as well. Quinoa love!                         

Quinoa Salad

• 1 cup raw Quinoa
• 1 15 oz. can black soy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 12 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup aged white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic from jar
• freshly ground sea salt and black pepper to taste
• garnish with shredded Parmesan or crumbled fat free Feta

Cook Quinoa according to package directions and cool down. This will make about 4 cups of quinoa.

Add remaining ingredients and chill over night to let the flavors meld. Garnish with Feta or Parmesan just before serving. Enjoy!