Herbed Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

In the same week, I watched both Giada on the Food Network and M Loves M make delicious versions of almost the same quinoa salads. It was like the universe was telling me that my bod needed quinoa, so I made it. I combined Giada's herbed version and M Loves M's Mediterranean version and the results we de-li-cious. Anddd, I'm pretty sure I could feel my muscles growing, cholesterol dropping and calories burning while I was eating it. Oh the superfood power of quinoa.

Herbed Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Salad

1 1/2 cup quinoa

2 1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tomatoes

1 english cucumber

1/4 red onion, chopped

3 olives, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese

Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

2/3 cup fresh, chopped parsley

1/2 cup fresh, chopped basil

2 tbs fresh, chopped thyme

1 shallot, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS:

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth, lemon juice and quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Transfer to a bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together. Add to the quinoa and toss to coat. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and feta. Toss again. Serve and enjoy!