{Recipe} Quinoa Salad w/ Avocado & Lime

Ok, I know this recipe maaaaay sound (and maybe look) questionable, but it tastes AMAZING. Quinoa is so seriously good for you and super filling. I had a serving of this for dinner tonight and was totally full all night - which doesn't happen easily!

Quinoa, Red Pepper, & Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Lime
Adapted from Yoga Journal - October 2012 Issue. I looked everywhere for it online and couldn't find it... Update: here is the original link - Thanks, Sharon! http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/food/recipes/recipe/11896
Serves 4-6

Kosher Salt
1 cup quinoa
1 garlic clove, pounded to a smooth paste (or do what I did and just buy garlic paste and use a good squeeze of it)
3-1/2 tbs. fresh-squeezed lime juice (I juiced 2 limes, doubt it was 3-1/2 tbs., but it worked)
1/2 cup + 2 tbs. EVOO (I didn't used closer to 1/4 cup total)
1 medium red pepper, halved, seeded and finely diced (unless you have my knife skills, in which case you just chop it)
1 small to medium-sized cucumber (I used a small English) chopped in 1/4" pieces. You'll need about 1/2 cup
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
2-3 ripe avocados (I used 1/2 avocado per serving)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt. (The box usually calls for a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio, but follow box/bag directions)
2. Rinse quinoa under cool water then add it to boiling water and cook until tender (usually 10-15 min).
3. Drain the quinoa well and spread out on a baking sheet to cool. (I didn't do this. I just let it cool in the pan for 20 min or so and if you cook it correctly, there shouldn't be anything to drain so, not sure what's up with this step, but whatever)
4. Whisk together garlic, lime juice, a pinch of salt and EVOO in a small bowl
5. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, red pepper, cilantro and cucumbers.
6. Drizzle lime juice/EVOO mixture on top and fold into quinoa.
7. Slice avocado on top of each serving and enjoy!

I ate this right away and it was delish. I'm sure it will be even better after sitting in the fridge overnight and letting the flavors really melt together.

Enjoy!
Namaste :)

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