Toasted Quinoa Tabbouleh

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa
• 1 3/4 tsp. fine sea salt, divided
• 13 cup olive oil
• 3/4 cup lemon juice (from 4 small lemons)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups diced tomatoes or quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups parsley, chopped
• 3 unpeeled Persian cucumbers, diced (113 cups)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1. Rinse quinoa in fine mesh strainer under cool running water.
2. Drain.
3. Heat large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add quinoa, and toast 10 minutes, or until moisture evaporates and quinoa is fragrant and golden, stirring constantly with flat-tipped spoon or rice paddle.
5. Bring 21/2 cups water to boil in saucepan.
6. Add 1/4 tsp.
7. salt, then add quinoa.
8. Return to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan, and simmer 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Fluff quinoa with a fork, and transfer to large bowl to cool.
10. Meanwhile, whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp.
11. salt in small bowl.
12. Stir tomatoes, parsley, cucumbers, green onions, and mint into cooled quinoa.
13. Pour dressing over top, and toss to coat.
14. Serve at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate until salad is cold.

quinoa, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, freshly ground black pepper, tomatoes, parsley, cucumbers, green onions, mint

Taken from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/toasted-quinoa-tabbouleh/ (may not work)