Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

If you don't know what Quinoa is (and I didn't), you're missing out on something wonderful!  This ancient grain is packed full of nutrients and so healthy for you.  I love the slightly soft outside kernel with the crisp inside.  By itself, quinoa doesn't have a lot of flavour, but it complements so many flavours and add-ins.

We love this recipe which is chocked full of healthy, flavourful ingredients.  Perfect for a spring day or a summer picnic.

I've adapted this recipe from two recipes on the Canadian Living website:  http://www.canadianliving.com/food/quinoa_and_chickpea_salad_with_tomato_vinaigrette.php#.  This recipe calls for a tomatoe vinaigrette, but I chose a Lemon Cumin vinaigrette instead and it was delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup quiona, rinsed thoroughly
1 can chickpeas (540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 dill cucumbers, peeled and diced
1 sweet red or yellow peppers, diced
2 green onions or 1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Lemon Cumin Vinaigrette:
3 Tbsp (50 ml) lemon juice
2 Tbsp (25 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
3/4 tsp (4 ml) salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Preparation:
In saucepan, bring quinoa and 2 cups water to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12 minutes. Fluff with fork and let cool.Stir in cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, and red pepper.  Gently toss with the dressing.  May be enjoyed right away or refrigerated until ready to use.

Tip:  Cumin can be a fairly strong flavour and not everyone enjoys it.  So be cautious about the amount of cumin you use.  You could easily eliminate the cumin if desired.