healthy Quinoa Salad

This is one of my favorite salads. It is easy to cook, healthy and at the same time so yummy.

It perfect for a side dish or just a dinner by itself.

******************************

Ingredients:

1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup chopped bell pepper

1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 green onions
2 tbsp oil
4 tbsp vinegar
salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp turmeric (optional)

Pour the quinoa you wish to rinse into a strainer with fine mesh. Hold the strainer of quinoa under a steady stream of cool water. Mix well with your hands. That is the easiest way to wash your quinoa before cooking.

Place quinoa in a small saucepan with all the water. I always add 1 tsp turmerci – it gives the quinoa a nice yellow color and it also gives it this great oriental flavor.

Bring to a simmer and then reduce to low.  Cover and cook for between 12 and 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional five minutes.

In a big salad bowl, add the tomatoes, bell pepper, celery green onions, salt, black pepper, oil and vinegar. Add the cooked quinoa. Mix well.

You can serve it immediately or let it cool down. You can even prepare the quinoa salad from the night before and keep it in the fridge. It will be delicious