This refreshing salad is simple, flavorful, filling and the perfect introduction to quinoa. The nutritious super grain is elevated with fresh flavors of lemon, mint, garlic and green onion, with a handful of almonds thrown in for an additional protein boost.

This recipe comes to us from Marti of Tofu n’ Sproutz!

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Serves 2.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa*, rinsed & cooked to package directions

3 green onions, sliced with tough ends removed

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, crushed in a garlic press

1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice

3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

Salt and lemon-pepper, to taste

1/4 cup almonds, chopped

*Feel free to substitute brown rice if you can’t find quinoa.

Directions:

After quinoa has finished cooking, remove from heat and cool on a cookie sheet.

Place the cooked and cooled quinoa, green onions, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice together in a large bowl. Stir until combined. Season with mint, salt and lemon-pepper. Mix well.

Top the salad with the chopped almonds. Serve chilled or at room temperature.