*Quinoa Vegetable Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing*

One of my new fav things to prepare ahead for the work week is quinoa salad.  Trying to prepare the quinoa just right, on the other hand, is not my fav thing to do ... if you don't have a "fine" strainer try rinsing the tiny little balls in a bowl and then draining it with your hand over the bowl and attempting not to lose any of the grains ... it isn't an easy task!

There are so many variations of quinoa salad it can make it kind of fun.  I made this on Monday night to take to work for a few days this week & it has lasted just fine.  I recommend you try it out!  To read 7 benefit of quinoa, click here.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa

15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained                                 
3 roma tomatoes
1 orange bell pepper
1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen, thawed)
4 green onions
Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)

{For the dressing}
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. basil (or fresh if you have it)

Directions

Rinse quinoa, and cook according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and basil. Set aside.
Slice green onions, dice roma tomatoes and bell pepper.
When quinoa is done cooking, let cool. Then place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour dressing over top and mix well to combine.  Season to taste w/salt & pepper.
Can eat immediately or chill before serving.I got this recipe from The Garden Grazer. I just added a lil' salt n' peppa ;)