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- Quinoa and Broth - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - Fresh Vegetables - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Herbs and Cheese - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Dressing Components - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste When I make this Mediterranean quinoa salad, I start with the quinoa. Rinsing it helps remove any bitterness. Using vegetable broth makes it more flavorful. I love the mix of colorful fresh vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while the cucumber brings crunch. The red bell pepper adds a nice touch of color and flavor. On top of that, I add finely chopped red onion and sliced Kalamata olives for a salty punch. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture and tang. Fresh parsley not only looks good, but it also adds a burst of freshness. For the dressing, I whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano together. A pinch of salt and pepper brings it all to life. This salad is a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients. It’s bright, healthy, and perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Combining Quinoa and Broth Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes bitterness. Then, add the rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Simmering and Fluffing Bring the quinoa and broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The liquid will absorb. After 15 minutes, remove it from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork. Chopping and Mixing Ingredients While the quinoa cooks, grab a large mixing bowl. Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 red bell pepper. Finely chop 1/2 of a red onion. Slice 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives and crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese. Add all these ingredients to the bowl and mix well. Whisking Ingredients Together In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend nicely. This dressing adds a burst of flavor. Tossing Vegetables, Quinoa, and Dressing Once the quinoa is fluffy and cool, add it to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until well combined. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Adding Parsley and Adjusting Seasoning Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This adds freshness. Taste the salad, then adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preference. Refrigeration Time for Flavor Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld. You will enjoy a more delicious salad when you serve it. To make great quinoa, start by rinsing it. Use a fine mesh strainer to wash away the bitter saponins. Rinsing only takes a minute but is important for taste. After rinsing, combine the quinoa with vegetable broth in a saucepan. This adds extra flavor. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is gone. After cooking, let it sit for five minutes. Fluff it with a fork to make it light and airy. You can enhance your salad's flavor with extra herbs or spices. Fresh basil or dill can add a nice touch. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder for more depth. These small changes can make your salad even more exciting. For a beautiful presentation, serve your quinoa salad in a large bowl. Garnish it with extra parsley and a few whole olives on top. This makes the dish colorful and inviting. You can also serve it with slices of pita bread on the side. This adds a nice touch and makes it a complete meal. Pro Tips Tip Title: Rinse the Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. Always rinse thoroughly under cold water for the best taste. Tip Title: Let Flavors Marinate: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They not only taste better but also make the salad more visually appealing. Tip Title: Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like chickpeas or artichokes for added protein and flavor, or swap out the feta for a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary preferences. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients in this Mediterranean quinoa salad. If you don’t have quinoa, try using farro, barley, or even bulgur. These grains offer a nice texture and absorb flavors well. For veggies, swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or add roasted bell peppers. You can also use zucchini or radishes for a fresh crunch. If you follow a vegan diet, you can skip the feta cheese. Instead, use avocado for creaminess. For those needing gluten-free options, the quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure other grains or dressings you use are also gluten-free. This makes the salad great for various diets. Using seasonal ingredients makes this salad even better. In summer, add fresh corn or diced peaches. In fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash or apples for sweetness. Seasonal changes keep the salad fresh and exciting. You can even change the herbs based on what’s available. Try using basil or mint when they are in season for a different twist. To keep your Mediterranean quinoa salad fresh, refrigerate it right away. Use an airtight container to store the leftovers. This will help keep the flavors bright and the texture nice. If you follow this method, the salad will stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge. Want to save some salad for later? You can freeze the quinoa salad. First, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is airtight to avoid freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the salad in the fridge overnight. You can also add fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil after thawing to bring back flavor. How long does this salad last? If you store it in the fridge, it can last about five days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. After that, the taste may fade. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your flavorful salad while it’s still fresh! Quinoa is a tiny, grain-like seed. It cooks like a grain but is a complete protein. This means it has all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diets. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Cooking quinoa is easy. Just rinse it first to remove any bitterness. Then, cook it in vegetable broth for extra flavor. Use two cups of broth for one cup of quinoa. After about 15 minutes, it will be fluffy and ready to use. You can serve Mediterranean quinoa salad in many ways. It shines as a main dish or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also enjoy it with pita bread for a light lunch. Garnish it with extra parsley or whole olives for a beautiful look. This salad is fresh and colorful, making it fun to eat. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a nice presentation. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. If you have a busy week, prepare it in advance. Just store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, add the dressing just before serving. This way, the veggies stay crunchy and bright. Meal prep is easy with this recipe. You can pack it for lunch or serve it at gatherings. If you want a dairy-free option, try using avocado instead of feta. It adds a creamy texture and fresh taste. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you prefer a different cheese, try goat cheese or a vegan cheese option. Each choice gives a unique twist to the salad. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! This blog post guides you through making a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad. You learned the best ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to add flavor. Remember to chill the salad for the best taste. Use fresh veggies and herbs to make it shine. With simple tips, you can adapt this salad for any diet or season. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with friends!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  • Fold in the chopped parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large bowl garnished with extra parsley and a few whole olives on top for an inviting presentation. Consider serving with slices of pita bread on the side for a complete meal experience.
Keyword healthy, quinoa, salad, vegetarian