Summer Quinoa Salad

This is one of my favorite, simple, easy, and super healthy salad recipes. I find the quinoa, beans and corn make this salad filling enough to even eat it as a meal itself. With a light lemon juice dressing, and optional feta cheese, this dish is low in calories, high in flavor, and full of complete vegetarian protein, omega-3's, and raw vegetables. A perfect salad for a hot summer day :)

Ingredients:

 
4 cups quinoa, cooked accordingly 

2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed 

2 cups fresh kale, chopped 

2 cups fresh bell peppers, chopped 

2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped 

2 cups fresh cucumber, chopped 

1 cup red onion, finely chopped 

½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) 

½ lemon, juiced 

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Method:

 
1) In a large bowl, gently combine quinoa, beans, vegetables and cilantro, folding until evenly distributed. 

2) Pour lemon juice over salad. Add feta cheese (if applicable) and black pepper. Toss gently. 

3) Chill in refrigerator, or serve slightly warm.