Quinoa Lentil Salad

Quinoa is a newly discovered grain that contains a rich source of nutrition, which consists of balanced amino acids when combined with other foods. This has created a kind of protein that is good for our bodies, particularly as gluten-free quinoa is easily digested. Quinoa can substitute for rice, such as with quinoa fried rice, added to soup instead of rice, or in making a quinoa burger. This little grain is delightfully chewy and the taste can be modified depending on how each cook seasons quinoa.  Quinoa can complete a meal, a salad for an appetizer, or a side dish with meat or fish. I got this idea of making quinoa salad while shopping at Costco because Costco has been selling Quinoa Tabbouleh, which looks delicious. After reading through the ingredients included to create the Costco quinoa Tabbouled, I decided to prepare this dish at home. This recipe is simple and when completed, the cost of this dish is a thrifty way to get plenty of protein and fiber. I also add seaweed to this salad, and that will achieve a quality flavor with this dish.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup quinoa
1/4 cup lentil mix
1 small piece of fried seaweed

1 cup chicken broth or water
1/2 tsp salt
Vegetables:
1/2 cup of baby kale, chopped
1/2 cup English cucumber, cubed
1/2 plum tomato, chopped, seeds removed
1/2 avocado, cubed
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup total of a combination of these fresh herbs: basil, cilantro, chive, and parsley 
Dressing ingredients:
1/4 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil
Juice of one lemon
1 tbs ponzu sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 

Directions:
To prepare quinoa and lentil mixture:
Wash quinoa and lentil very well. Wash seaweed.

Add seaweed, quinoa, and lentil into a rice cooker.

Add chicken broth and salt. Close the lid and turn to cook. When it is done cooking, remove cooked seaweed from pan. Chop the cooked seaweed and return it to the pan. Then let the entire mixture cool.
To make the dressing:
In a glass jar with lid, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake well.
In a large mixing bowl, place all the vegetables with the quinoa, lentil, and seaweed mixture. Toss well with the dressing.

Serve, Quinoa can be made the day before and the flavor will be better.