Lemon Dill Quinoa Salad

In an attempt to become "healthy" (i.e. lose all of the weight I gained over the holidays by stuffing my face full of cookies and chocolate), this recipe is on my "to make" list today! I have no idea why, but every time I alter my diet, a bowl of quinoa salad ends up in my fridge.  I think it's because it's a quick fix for when the evening munchies kick in and I open the fridge 7548927 times, looking for a snack.  It is also loaded with protein so it's a quick, easy meal for the youngster.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a whole grain and is somewhat similar to rice or couscous.  It can be eaten hot or cold, plain or fancied up.  I prefer it cold, in a salad.  Hot = NASTY in my opinion!  I have to admit, I hated quinoa when I first tried it!  However, I forced myself to eat it for the health benefits and now it is now a dish that everyone in my family loves, me included!

Lemon Dill Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
1 english cucumber, diced (peeled or not peeled...it's up to you!)
2 large tomatoes, diced (or you can use halved grape tomatoes)
1/2 - 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 lemon (the juice and grated rind)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa
1-2 tbsp dried dillweed

Directions
Cook quinoa according to the directions on the package.  Generally it is a 2:1 ratio (In this case it would be 3 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups of quinoa).  Once quinoa has cooked, allow it to cool.  In a large bowl. combine the cucumber, tomatoes, feta, oil, lemon juice, grated lemon rind, salt and pepper.  Add cooled quinoa and toss well.  Let cool in the fridge for a few hours and then enjoy!

P.S. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

 MMM!