Balsamic Quinoa Salad

This is one of my favorite quinoa recipes to make. Easy and delicious!! Serve it as a side dish or add meat/tofu or even beans for a main meal.



-1 cup quinoa
-2 cups water
-1 small onion, sliced
-1 cup dried cranberries
-1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
-1/4 cup parsley, chopped(or your favorite spice)
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-3 cloves garlic
-salt and pepper

 
-Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally. All the water should be absorbed and the quinoa's outer coat should be translucent when it's done. Add the quinoa to a bowl and set aside.
-While the quinoa is cooking, heat some olive oil in a skillet and add the sliced onion. Cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat, until carmelized. Add to the bowl.
-Add the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine all ingredients.
-Cook the garlic in the skillet that the onions were prepared in, adding additional oil if needed. Whisk the cooked garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar together.
-Pour the balsamic dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir to coat everything. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about half an hour. I add feta cheese afterwards too. Enjoy!

the magic of quinoa!