Tabouli with a Quinoa Twist

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, without stems
• 2/3 cup green onions, cut into 1/4" pieces
• 1 1/2 cups peeled cucumbers, cut into 1/4" pieces
• 1 1/2 chopped tomatoes, cut into 1/4" pieces
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

Put quinoa in a fine strainer and rinse under running water until water runs clear. Drain well. Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Cover pan, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed. Quinoa will be fluffy. Chill in the refrigerator or rinse cooked quinoa in a fine-meshed strainer under running COLD water. Drain well. Toss remaining ingredients with quinoa and serve.