Tasha's Quinoa Creation

This is a quick, easy and healthy lunch that I like to throw together. It's vegetarian, which is a nice option for some. If you prefer to have some meat in your meal, cooked chicken (I would recommend from a bought, roasted chicken) or turkey kielbasa would be yummy. Feel free to change the vegetables to suit your taste. Cauliflower and broccoli are tasty, too. This serves 2-3

1/2 cup quinoa
Olive or grape-seed oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 zucchini, quartered and sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup loosely-packed, fresh spinach
1-2 scallions, sliced
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 oz. shredded mozzarella

1. Cook quinoa according to instructions.
2. Drizzle non-stick pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Add garlic, zucchini and pepper. Saute until crisp-tender.
3.  Add peas, spinach, scallions and beans. Season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted and peas are thawed.
4. Sprinkle with cheese, and remove from heat. Cover pan with lid; let sit for about 1 minute, or until cheese is melted.