Why do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing the quinoa well before cooking helps hydrate the seeds and soften the quinoa. If you don’t rinse, the quinoa usually doesn’t pop open as much and it has a firmer texture. The unrinsed quinoa also has a nuttier, earthier flavor. If you rinse it, the flavors are milder and the flavors of the other ingredients shine through more.

Can I cook the quinoa in advance?

You can cook quinoa 1-2 days in advance and store it in the fridge before combining all the ingredients for the salad if you want to work ahead but still keep the cucumber fresh as long as possible. I love prepping a big batch of quinoa in the beginning of the week and having on hand for any meal or dish!