Tropical Quinoa Salsa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 1 1/3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
• 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 3/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1 small mango – peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1/4 cup drained pineapple tidbits, juice reserved
• 1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped, a few leaves reserved for garnish
• Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice from the can
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cups canola oil
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices lime
• 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Directions

Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

Stir cooled quinoa, watermelon, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, mango, pineapple, and chopped cilantro leaves together in a large bowl.

Whisk wine vinegar, honey, pineapple juice, lime juice, and garlic together in a small bowl; drizzle in canola oil, whisking constantly. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss gently to combine. Place salad in a serving bowl; garnish with lime slices, jalapeno slices, and reserved cilantro leaves.