Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious quinoa salad:

1. Rinse Quinoa: Under cold water, rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove the bitter coating called saponin.

2. Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.

3. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

4. Fluff Quinoa: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

5. Prepare Vegetables: While quinoa cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

6. Mix Ingredients: To the chopped vegetables, add the cooled quinoa, fresh parsley, and feta cheese, if using.

7. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

8. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.

9. Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

10. Serve: Enjoy your quinoa salad as a main dish or as a side.