Quinoa Salad with Nuts & Snow Peas

Method:

Soak the quinoa for 15 minutes in cold water. Strain, and put into a pot with the water, salt and a dash of oil. Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes while covered.

Steam the carrots and snow peas for about five minutes, then rinse in cold running water. Mix the pepper, tomato, cucumber and parsley in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, blend the dressing ingredients together and gently combine the vegetables, nuts and quinoa. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 C quinoa
• 1 1/2 C cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Oil
• 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 C snow peas
• 1/2 green or red pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 ripe tomato
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 C fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 C roasted cashews, chopped
• 1/4 C cranberries, minced
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 C olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper
• Pinch of garlic powder or dried ginger