Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon canola oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• ¼ cup diced yellow (or purple) onion

• 2 ½ cups water

• 3 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

• 2 cups quinoa

• ¾ cup diced fresh tomato

• ¾ cup diced carrots

• ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper

• ½ cup diced cucumber

• ½ cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

• ¼ cup diced red onion

• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil