Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup uncooked whole-grain amaranth (such as Arrowhead Mills)
• 2 cups diced unpeeled English cucumber
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup drained no-salt-added canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• 1 cup (4 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Bring 1 1/2 cups cold water and amaranth to a boil in a medium saucepan; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until water is almost absorbed (it will have the appearance of mush).
2. 2. While amaranth cooks, combine cucumber and next 11 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. 3. Place amaranth in a sieve, and rinse under cold running water until room temperature; drain well, pressing with the back of a spoon. Add to cucumber mixture; toss to blend. Add cheese; toss gently. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.