Quinoa Taco Salad

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 cups mixed quinoa, rinsed well in cold water and drained

2 teaspoons ground cumin

Pinch of cayenne

¼ cup hemp seeds (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced and let sit for 10 minutes

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, oregano, and/or parsley

1 bunch chopped spinach (may substitute swiss chard, romaine lettuce or any green that you prefer)

Toasted pumpkin seeds

Lime Vinaigrette Dressing

Directions:

  • Put the water and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.

  • Stir in the quinoa. Decrease the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the water is absorbed.

  • Remove from the heat. Add the cumin, cayenne, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and fluff with a fork until well combined.

  • While quinoa is cooking, sauté onion in olive oil until it it is translucent and begins to turn yellow.

  • Add minced garlic and sauté 3 more minutes.

  • Add to the quinoa and transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

  • Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, oregano, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, Lime Vinaigrette Dressing and fold until well combined.

  • Taste; you may need to add a pinch or two of salt, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a dash of olive oil.