As a very allergic household, we're always looking for vegan-friendly recipes that we can all enjoy as a family. Here's a great recipe that we just made and is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add more lemon juice or olive oil to suit your preference.

6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is packed with fresh ingredients and flavors. It makes a great side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy!