Ingredients:

  • cup (185g) uncooked Quinoa, rinsed
  • cups (475ml) Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • (15-ounce) can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), rinsed and drained
  • large English or Persian Cucumber, diced small
  • pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
  • /2 medium Red Onion, finely diced
  • ounces (115g) Feta Cheese, crumbled
  • /2 cup (60g) Sliced or slivered Almonds, lightly toasted
  • /2 cup (30g packed) Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • /4 cup (10g packed) Fresh Mint, finely chopped
  • /4 cup (60ml) Tahini Paste
  • /4 cup (60ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Tablespoon (15ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • small Garlic clove, minced very finely
  • teaspoon Maple Syrup or Honey
  • Tablespoons Water (for thinning dressing)
  • /4 cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Combine quinoa with broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and spread on a baking sheet to cool slightly.
  2. Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and mint. Place all prepared items into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Prepare the Lemon-Tahini Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and sweetener. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Gradually add water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a pourable, creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled quinoa and the rinsed chickpeas to the large bowl containing the vegetables and herbs.
  6. Dress and Toss: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and add more dressing if needed.
  7. Final Touches: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the toasted almonds.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with any remaining fresh herbs, or chill for up to 4 hours to allow the flavours to meld before serving.