Spiced Apple Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons thawed frozen apple juice concentrate
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 delicious apple (1/2 lb.)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• butter lettuce leaf, rinsed and crisped (optional)
• salt

Directions

1. 1

   In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil on high heat, turn heat low, cover, and simmer until grain is tender to bite, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, combine vinegar, apple juice concentrate, allspice, pepper, and garlic. Mix with cool quinoa.

4. 4

   Core apple and cut in 1/4-inch cubes. Mix apple, carrot, onion, and mint with quinoa.

5. 5

   Mound salad on a lettuce-lined platter. Add salt to taste.