Place saffron threads in a bowl and add 1 cup of hot water. Allow the saffron to steep for 5 minutes.
Separately, add onion and olive oil to a pan and cook on medium until onion turns translucent.
Add quinoa, 1 cup of saffron-infused water and an additional 1 cup of water (in total: 2 cups of liquid) and bring to a vigorous boil.
Cover pot and simmer on your stove's lowest setting for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let rest (still covered) for 10 minutes.Remove cover. Fluff with a fork and top with salt.
Remove cover. Fluff with a fork and season with salt.
