Red Quinoa Salad (non crockpot dish)

At the request of my cousin Allison ....... ENJOY!

Recipe: Red Quinoa Salad
1 1/2 cups red quinoa
3 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
3Tbsp olive oil
Zest of 2 limes
3 tbsp lime juice
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1/2 tsp ground cumin


Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, place bay leaf on top after quinoa settles and boil for about 15 minutes, or until the water is almost completely absorbed. Turn the heat off, remove and discard bay leaf and cover with the lid for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
In other med – small saucepan on med/high, heat olive oil and add garlic, salt and pepper.  Wait 1 minute and add onions, toss around for about 1 – 2 minutes and add peppers.  Lower heat to med-low and cook until peppers are your preferred tenderness.
Whisk together the remaining ingredients.


Toss the quinoa, pepper and onion mixture together; then mix in the cold ingredients.


Add some teaspoons of balsamic if you'd like.


Serve Hot, Warm, Room Temperature, or Cold