Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day and makes for a nutritious addition to your diet.
This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, serving as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side dish. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
As a health-conscious choice, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad offers a wealth of benefits. Quinoa is a complete protein, packed with essential amino acids, making it a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and providing sustained energy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad as a versatile side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great main course when paired with pita bread or a side of hummus. Garnish with extra feta cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Pairing Ideas
This salad pairs well with a range of dishes. It complements grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, offering a flavorful and nutritious contrast. It also works nicely with other Mediterranean dishes, such as stuffed grape leaves or a Greek-style platter. For a more filling meal, enjoy it alongside a warm soup or a hearty stew.
Tips and Notes
Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen over time, making it a great make-ahead option.
Quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool before mixing with other ingredients. Use a variety of colors for added visual appeal.
Vegetables: Incorporate a mix of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a crisp texture and vibrant color.
Feta Cheese: Use good-quality feta cheese for a creamy and tangy addition. Crumbled feta works well throughout the salad.
Dressing: A simple lemon and olive oil dressing enhances the flavors of the salad. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add a touch of garlic or oregano if desired.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa - rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber - diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives - pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion - finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley - chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves - chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
For the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the quinoa cool to room temperature.
For the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint leaves, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Assembly:
- Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing over the quinoa salad in the bowl.
- Toss gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Enjoy this delightful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad as a light and nutritious meal or side dish!