If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make salad, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is both satisfying and delicious. It’s ideal for meal prep, lunch, or as a side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful salad as a main course or a side dish.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and healthy addition to any meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, makes it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying dish. Enjoy the bright flavors and beautiful colors of this salad, and feel good about the nutritious ingredients you’re serving.
