Quinoa salad

We are into Quinoa lately. It's supposed to be a wonder grain - great source of protein and all kinds of good things. We bought a big bag of it at Costco so I went hunting for a good recipe. I came across this Citrus Quinoa salad that was fabulous

Citrus Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa

1 cup diced cucumber

1/2 cup diced figs or dried apricots or raisins

1/2 cup drained canned mandarin orange sections, halved (I used the whole little can)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds

2 green onions, diced

2 Tbs chopped coriander or parsley

Dressing:

1 tsp grated lemon or lime rind

3 Tbs lemon or lime juice

1 Tbs sesame oil (I used olive oil)

1 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp each ground cumin and coriandor

salt and pepper

Rinse quinoa and drain. In saucepan bring 2 cups water to a boil; stir in quinoa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is transparent; drain and let cool.

In salad bowl combine quinoa, cucumber, figs, orange sections, sunflower seeds, onions and coriander.

Dressing: In small bowl mix lemon rind and juice, sesame oil, sugar, cumin and coriander; pour over salad and toss to mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Makes 8 servings of about 1/2 cup each (it was so good I ate 2 cups)