Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese for a flavor-packed casserole that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!
Table of Contents
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Ingredients for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Tips for Making Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Reheating Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Mediterranean Quinoa Salad related recipes next!
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This Mediterranean quinoa salad is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but you don’t have much time to throw it together. It’s basically a dump-and-mix meal – and the best part is your whole family will love it!
- Rich and Flavorful. While other quinoa salads can end up bland, this recipe has a rich combination of flavors from olives, bell peppers, and feta cheese that beautifully coat the fluffy quinoa!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa: The star of this salad, providing protein and fiber, making it a healthy base for your dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juiciness, these add a refreshing taste and vibrant color to your salad.
- Cucumber: Adds a delightful crunch and coolness to balance the flavors.
- Bell Peppers: For sweetness and a pop of color; red, yellow, or orange peppers work best.
- Red Onion: Provides sharpness; for a milder flavor, soak in cold water before adding.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty element; can be substituted with goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Black Olives: Provide a briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Acts as a dressing base; use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors in the salad.
- Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and parsley turns up the zing!
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a ratio of 1:2; bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for the dressing.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the veggies and gently mix.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Making Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Rinse Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing your quinoa; it removes bitterness and yields fluffier results.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the veggies ahead of time for quick assembly at mealtime.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- You can prepare the quinoa a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Chop all veggies and store them in an airtight container until you assemble the salad.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Quinoa salads should be consumed fresh for the best flavor and texture, but they can safely be stored for a short time.
Freezing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- This salad is not recommended for freezing as the fresh vegetables can become mushy once thawed.
- If you must freeze, do so without the vegetables and add them fresh after thawing.
Reheating Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- If stored in the fridge, serve the salad cold or at room temperature.
- Add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice when reviving leftovers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Greek Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A hearty, protein-packed salad that pairs beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and chop the veggies before serving for an easy, quick assembly.
What can I use instead of quinoa?
Rice can be used, but adjust the water ratio and cooking times accordingly.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply omit feta cheese to make this a vegan dish.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best results.
