Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cuncooked quinoa
- 1 ¾ cwater
- ¼ cred onion
diced
- ½fresh lemon
- ¼ ckalamata olives
about 10, pitted and sliced
- 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 2 ccucumber)
peeled and diced (from 1 english
- 1 ccherry tomatoes
quartered
- ⅓ cfeta cheese
crumbled
- to tastekosher salt and fresh black pepper
Directions
- 1
If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed, rinse the quinoa for about 2 minutes, using your hands to make sure all the saponins are removed.
- 2
Fill a medium pot with water, add the quinoa and salt to taste and bring to a boil. When the water boils, reduce heat to low and cover; simmer covered 15 minutes.
- 3
Remove from heat and keep covered an additional 5 minutes without lifting the lid; then fluff with a fork and set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool.
- 4
While the quinoa cools, dice all the vegetables.
- 5
Add the red onion, olives, cucumber, tomatoes to the cooled quinoa, and squeeze 1/2 lemon over it.
- 6
Drizzle the olive oil over the quinoa, then add feta, salt and pepper to taste and toss well.
- 7
Taste for salt and adjust as needed, add more lemon juice if needed.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
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Based on 30 ratings
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About this Recipe
Looking for a vibrant, satisfying lunch that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is your answer, delivering fresh, zesty tastes perfect for any day.
Why This Recipe Works
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad shines because it masterfully combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a complex, refreshing experience. The secret lies in the bright, tangy lemon olive oil dressing that perfectly coats every bite, tying together the earthy quinoa with crisp vegetables and savory feta. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that prioritizes fresh flavor and a light yet satisfying profile.
What to Expect
Prepare for a colorful medley that delights the senses. You'll experience the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked quinoa contrasted with the crisp crunch of diced cucumber and the juicy burst of quartered cherry tomatoes. Briny Kalamata olives and creamy, salty feta cheese add depth, all harmonized by the bright, aromatic red onion and the piquant lemon olive oil. This is a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian dish that feels invigorating and light, yet truly filling.
Customization & Variations
This versatile Mediterranean quinoa salad welcomes your personal touch. To add more protein, consider stirring in a can of drained chickpeas. For an extra pop of color and sweetness, finely diced bell peppers would be a fantastic addition. If you're not a fan of Kalamata olives, try green olives or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the feta.
Serving & Context
This refreshing salad is ideal as a light lunch, a healthy side dish for a summer BBQ, or a vibrant addition to any potluck spread. Its bright flavors pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple lentil soup.