Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate. This salad is not only tasty but also packed with healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. It’s a great option for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables, quinoa, and feta cheese creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it can be served on its own or as a side dish at any gathering.
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and drizzle with the dressing. Toss to combine.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
You can serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad on its own for a light meal or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It is also a great addition to a picnic or potluck, as it can be made in advance and tastes delicious cold or at room temperature.
How to Store Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you find the salad a little dry after storing, drizzle a bit more olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa properly to remove any bitterness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes to customize the salad.
- For a bit of heat, you can add in some red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by using only vegetables and feta cheese. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute feta with goat cheese or omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option.
3. What can I serve with this salad?
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or can be served alongside other Mediterranean dishes like hummus or pita bread.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
A fresh and colorful salad bringing the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, packed with healthy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Serving
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and drizzle with the dressing. Toss to combine.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drizzle with more olive oil or lemon juice if it seems dry after storing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
