Quinoa Apple Salad

Nicole, this one's for you!  Everyone else, enjoy!  :)

Quinoa Apple Salad
Serves 4

1/4 cup raw almonds
1 cup quinoa
2 cups filtered water
1 Tbsp shallot, minced
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Granny Smith apple, diced thin
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped

1.)  Coarsely chop almonds in food processor.


2.)  Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine sieve.  Drain well.  Bring 2 cups filtered water to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Add quinoa.  Return to a boil.  Stir quinoa.  Cover and reduce heat to Low.  Simmer until quinoa is tender but still chewy, about 15 minutes (follow package instructions).  Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool.

3.)  Whisk together shallot, curry powder, salt, and lemon juice in a large bowl.  Season with pepper. Whisking constantly, stream in olive oil, whisking until dressing is emulsified.  Add quinoa, apple, mint, and nuts.  Mix well to combine.  Serve.