Sesame Mandarine Quinoa Salad

This recipe was my first experience with Quinoa. I was very pleased and have made several recipes since using the Quinoa.Sesame Mandarin Quinoa Salad

From: Picky Palate

1 cup whole grain Quinoa
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs. sugar substitute (I just used sugar)
2 Tbs. sesame oil
pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/2 cup sweet peppers, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup mandarin oranges

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. (Which are: Add 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until grain is translucent and the germ forms a visible spiral on the external of the grain. I like to take a bit of olive oil in the bottom of a frying pan and kind of toast the quinoa before adding the water. It gives it a bit of a nutty flavor.) Transfer to a large bowl to cool. In a small bowl whisk the oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar substitute, sesame oil, salt and pepper until well combined. Pour over cooled quinoa and mix to combine. Add the sweet peppers, green onions, parsley, feta and mandarin oranges. Refrigerate until ready to serve.