Instructions: Rinse quinoa thoroughly with running cold water, drain well. Add enough water to reserving mandarin orange liquid to make 2 cups.

In a med. saucepan, combine quinoa and orange liquid mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to med. low, cover and simmer 14 to 16 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in pea pods and onions. Cool 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in small jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all dressing ingredients, shake well. Refrigerate until serving time.

In med. bowl, combine quinoa mixture and mandarin orange segments. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until chilled.

Just before serving, line 4 individual salad plates with lettuce. Pour dressing over salad, stir gently to coat. Spoon salad onto lettuce-line plates.

4 (1-1/2 cup) servings

NOTES : To make it special-Top this salad with toasted slivered almonds to complement the slightly nutty flavor of the quinoa.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.