Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. This salad is a delightful blend of protein-packed quinoa, fresh vegetables, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice. Perfect for summer barbecues, light lunches, or as a side dish for dinner, it showcases the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. With its colorful ingredients and customizable options, this salad not only pleases the palate but also makes an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this nutritious recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped olives
- 1 jar (8 ounces) diced roasted red bell peppers
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2–3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and chicken broth; bring to simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 14–15 minutes until tender; let it rest off heat for another 10–15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with olives, roasted peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and herbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper; pour over salad mixture and toss gently.
- Add crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Rinse quinoa thoroughly to avoid bitterness. Customize with seasonal veggies or herbs based on preference. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Find it online: https://fluffyrecipes.com/mediterranean-quinoa-salad/