Greek Quinoa Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

I always set goals for each season and typically never reach the ones that require me to slow down and take time for myself.  Are you guilty of this too?  I know I am not the only one.  For example, this summer I wanted to challenge myself by riding a road bike on all of the gorgeous California trails but I never actually made it to the store to buy the darn bike.  I kept coming up with excuses for why I shouldn’t spend the money (even though I have a bike fund going), why I shouldn’t take time off work to ride (I own my own business so I should take advantage of the freedom), why I should just run with my pooch (who am I kidding, she can only run for about a block before she needs a nap), etc..  Oh well, maybe I will finally crack down and spoil myself this fall.

One thing I do take time to do is find fun and healthy recipes to try, I am motivated by my blog and by my husband.  He is not only a health nut but he works at Google and is always boasting about the fun things he gets to enjoy there.  Labor Day is around the corner- shocking I know, I feel like I just took down my Christmas decorations!  Instead of indulging in some of my Midwest staples favorites like potato salad and coleslaw, I am going to make this easy Greek quinoa salad to take to my barbecue’s with friends.  You probably have most of the items in your pantry so give it a try too, your friends and family will like the change of pace.  Happy Labor Day and Cheers to Fall!

Ingredients
3-4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (you may use any flavor you prefer)
2 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions
In a medium-large saucepan, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth for 15-20 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.

Gently toss the quinoa together with the remaining ingredients, except feta. Pour the olive oil mixture over the quinoa.

Add more salt and pepper to taste and gently stir in the feta cheese.

Enjoy!

Amanda Kuzak, founder of Kuzak’s Closet, is Silicon Valley’s premiere professional organizer. Her background in personal shopping and project management translates directly into her business as she helps clients organize problem areas within their homes. She takes time to listen to her client’s needs so she can work at their pace and tailor each project to their needs.

Amanda started Kuzak’s Closet in 2005 after leaving Law School. She wanted to pursue her passion for helping people lead more efficient and organized lives. Today she is an award winning blog author, published as a contributing author ofThe Spirit of Silicon Valley and has been invited to give speaking engagements on the topics of organizing and efficiency.