Ingredients

1 1/3 cups water
2/3 cup quinoa, rinsed if not prewashed
1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
2 cups romaine or greens of choice, chopped
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 15-ounce cans mandarin orange slices, drained
3 mini-cucumbers, washed and sliced
1 cup pecan pieces, toasted

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat. Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork and set aside to cool. Quinoa can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. In a small bowl, finely grate zest from a lemon, then cut and squeeze juice into the zest (can substitute with an orange). Whisk in oil, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine greens, beans, oranges, cucumbers and quinoa. Just before serving, add nuts and lemon dressing, toss to coat. Serves 4-6