Quinoa and Cilantro Salad

I have come to love quinoa, a high protein grain that can be flavored with many things. In this recipe, I begin with the Near East brand mix called Quinoa Blend, (a blend of quinoa and brown rice) Red Pepper & Basil. You can cook as the package directs, but this time I tried it in my 3cup rice cooker using the same amounts of water and oil as the package calls for. It worked great.
This is great as a side to baked meat or as a meal all by itself. You cam add pinenuts, chopped tomatoes, black beans, or all the above.

Quinoa and Cilantro Salad

1 box Near East Quinoa Blend, Red Pepper & Basil
1/3 cup red onion, chopped
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1Tbsp. lime juice

1. Cook quinoa as instructed on package, being sure to add the flavor package. Cool.

2. Add chopped onion, cilantro, olive oil and lime juice.

3. Mix all and chill.

For more protein, add 1/2 cup black bean. For crunch, add 1/2 cup pinenuts or almonds. For a lighter tasting salad add 1 fresh tomato chopped. Add all of the above for a really filling and 
beautiful dish.