Description
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is light, colorful, and packed with fresh vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and fluffy quinoa. Tossed with a bright lemon dressing, it makes a refreshing lunch, healthy dinner, or flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
- Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and gently toss everything together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
For additional crunch, mix in diced bell peppers or toasted pine nuts.
To make it dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Avocado and fresh spinach make great additions for extra creaminess and greens.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
