Summer Quinoa Salad

One of my favorite fast, tasty, and easy dishes to make is a quinoa salad. I have this dish down to a science. The best thing about it is how creative you can get with the ingredients. Almost everything in this recipe can be substituted, replaced, or spiced up with different fruits, legumes, and/or vegetables of your choice. If you are looking to eat healthier or you need to expand your meal prep list, this is the recipe for you.

Here is what you will need:

• 1 cup tri-color quinoa

• 1 can of beans (red or black)

• 3/4 cup dried, sweetened cranberries

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1/4 red onion

• I like to add some diced fruit (like peaches, apple, or nectarine)

• 1/3 cup roasted red bell pepper strips

• Rice wine vinegar (add to taste, around 3-4 tbsp.)

Prepare the ingredients:

1. Cook, drain, and cool the quinoa. Set aside in a large bowl.

2. Finely dice the red onion, cucumber, roasted peppers, and fruit.

3. Drain and rinse the beans.

4. Add all of the ingredients to the quinoa and mix well.

5. Optional: Garnish with feta cheese before serving. If you opt out of the cheese, then this recipe is vegan!

It is the perfect dish for a summer picnic with your friends or a fast meal you can make on the fly for work. Enjoy!