CITRUS QUINOA SALAD

I originally got this recipe from the food network's website so I can't claim full responsibility for this fantastic salad. I have, however, improved on the original to make it taste even better. If you want to see The Food Networks version you can find it here.   I think you'll like mine more. 

Citrus Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa (uncooked)

1 1/4 cuP chicken stock

1 green onion (white part only)

1/2 cup craisins

1/4 cup  toasted pine nuts

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 tsp orange zest

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/8 tsp (pinch) of cumin

1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped

1/4 cup italian parsley 

(or substitute 1/8 cup fresh basil 1/4 cup parsley)

1/4 tsp salt

freshly ground black pepper

Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer or chinois and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring the chicken stock to a boil and then add quinoa. Return to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the quinoa is fluffy. This takes about 20 minutes. Once quinoa has fully expanded, place it in a cooking tray and  refrigerate it until it's cool. 

In a small mixing bowl, soak the cranberries in the orange juice. 

In a separate bowl mix together the green onions, vinegar, zest, oil, cumin, cucumber, parsley, salt, and pepper. 

When the quinoa is cooled, mix the craisins and orange juice into the dressing and then mix the dressing into the quinoa. Mix in the pine nuts.  I also squeeze more orange juice on the top of the salad because I can't get enough of the awesome citrus taste.

Enjoy!