Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 cup water

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise

3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Preparation

Combine quinoa and the water in a medium saucepan; add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 11 to 13 minutes. (The germ ring should be visible along the outer edge of the grain.) Transfer to a medium bowl, and cool to room temperature.

Add vinegar, oil, cucumber, scallions, and parsley; season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.