Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious? This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and earthy quinoa, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a picnic side dish.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

The star here is quinoa, a protein-rich grain with a slightly nutty flavor that forms the salad's hearty base. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and bright color, while cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. The Kalamata olives bring a briny depth that complements the creamy, tangy feta cheese. A bit of red onion adds a sharp, pungent note, balanced by the fresh, herbal taste of parsley. For the dressing, extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice work together to tie all the flavors together with a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly to get rid of its natural bitter coating.
  • Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the feta from melting.
  • For a more intense flavor, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and let it chill in the fridge.
  • Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a light yet complete meal. It also works well as a side dish at a barbecue or a picnic spread. For a vegetarian option, serve it with stuffed peppers or a hearty vegetable soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?
Black olives can be used as a substitute, though they have a milder flavor.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. After draining, transfer it to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. This is your cue to remove it from the heat and let it cool.

While the quinoa is cooling, you can prep the veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Slice the Kalamata olives and finely chop the red onion and parsley. Once the quinoa is cool, combine it with these ingredients in a large bowl, along with the crumbled feta cheese.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Drizzle this simple dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything gently to combine. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for half an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of textures and flavors.
  • Packed with protein for a satisfying meal.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, great for meal prep.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
  • Brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let quinoa cool.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!