So there’s this commercial that is both the funniest thing and the most horrible misnomer. It’s about quinoa. (Or, if you’re my out-of-touch father—it’s about ”queen-o”.) 

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The quinoa burger in that ad is pretty much the lamest way to put this golden grain on the plate. Leave the loofahs in the freezer. Here’s how to make a snack that’s good for you and doesn’t taste like a dirty old tree branch:

Easy

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

1 cup red quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

1 cup edamame

1/3 cup cucumber, chopped

¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped

1/8 cup tomato, diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt-n-Pepa, to taste

 

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions—around 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

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photo by Ashley Crompton

2. While the quinoa is doing its thing, dice up your veggies. Set them aside.

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photo by Ashley Crompton

3. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with remaining ingredients.

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photo by Ashley Crompton

4. Eat. Will keep for around five days. But I highly doubt you’ll let it last that long.

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photo by Ashley Crompton

(Thank you to Allie Conner for her expert knife work. And apologies to my dad–you’re not THAT out-of-touch.)