{Lunch/Dinner; Quinoa Salad with Herbs and Feta}

I am one of those brown bag lunch people!  I carefully plan and pack (ok, not always) my lunch the night before, so I can easily grab my lunch and go as I dash out the door for work!  My team at work can 9 times out of 10 count on me bringing a big salad with all the fixings for lunch.  I am talking avocado, almonds, loads of veggies, grains, you name it and its probably on my salad.  

However, lately I have been steering clear of big leafy green salads and turning more towards a grain based salad!  I love tossing whatever veggies I have on hand with a big scoop of grains and calling it, "lunch."  Toss the grains with a light vinaigrette, lemon juice and herbs and you have a delicious, flavorful salad!  This quinoa salad with herbs and feta is my take on a traditional tabouli, and makes an excellent meal!  Make a batch Sunday night and you have lunch for the entire week!  Bulgar is replaced with quinoa, and the salad gets a delicious flavor punch from the fresh herbs and thick chunks of feta cheese.  This salad truly is delicious and makes a great light lunch or dinner!  Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp or pan fried tofu for more substance! 

 Quinoa Salad with Herbs and Feta 

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Serves 4 

Ingredients:

1 Cup Dry Quinoa, cooked according to package directions 

1 Cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes 

1 Cup Chopped Red Pepper 

1 Cup Broccoli Florets (finely chopped) 

1/4 Cup Chopped Onion 

1 Tablespoon Balsamic Capers 

1/4 Cup Reduced Fat Feta Cheese 

1 Large Handful Fresh Parsley Chopped 

1 Large Handful Fresh Cilantro Chopped 

2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint Chopped 

Juice from one Lemon 

1/2 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar 

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1- Combine cherry tomatoes, red pepper, broccoli and chopped onion in a large bowl.  Toss to combine.  Add in cooked quinoa and toss once again. 

2- Add chopped herbs, capers and feta, toss and set aside. 

3- In a small bowl combine balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.  Whisk together until combined. 

4- Pour lemon mixture of quinoa and veggies, toss salad to evenly distribute lemon juice.  Salt and pepper salad to taste. 

Enjoy!