Quinoa Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup diced (yellow or purple) onion
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups quinoa
• 3/4 cup diced fresh tomato
• 3/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

1. Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and yellow onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil.5 min timer
2. Stir quinoa into the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer until quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Drain any remaining water with a mesh strainer; transfer quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 45 minutes.20 min timer
3. Stir tomato, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and red onion into chilled quinoa. Season with cilantro, mint, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then gently stir until evenly mixed.