Tangy, Cranberry and Mint Quinoa Salad

I have just finished making this to bring with me hiking this weekend. Quinoa is full of protein and all these fresh delicious ingredients will fuel my hiking and canoing adventures. My second mom made this for us last weekend. It was so tangy and delicious I asked her for the recipe. Like most moms she said, well you take some quinoa and cook it in some orange juice and water and then add some of this and some of that...... haha. I have given you measurements to how I made it. you can switch them around as much as you like.


Ingredients:
1 cup Quinoa (pre rinsed)
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
2/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup organic dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery, finely sliced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped fine
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped fine
1/2 lemon, zest of and juice of
1/3 cup walnuts, quickly chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine the orange juice, water and quinoa in a med/large pot. Bring to boil over high heat. Stir once, cover and reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa has expanded to little swirls. stir, and set aside to cool.

2. Once the quinoa is cooled, add the celery, parsley, mint, red onion, lemon zest and juice, cranberries and walnuts. stir well to combine. add the olive oil and salt and pepper and stir again. refrigerates nicely for a couple of days.