Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – Fresh and Protein-Rich
A bright, protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives, dressed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette and finished with fresh herbs.
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal? This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is your answer! Bursting with flavors and loaded with protein, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich in protein and fiber, suitable for a variety of diets.
- Can be easily customized with seasonal vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How to Make
To prepare this delightful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, start by cooking the quinoa. In a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water, bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let it cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and olives. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, arugula, or roasted veggies.
Make-Ahead
This salad is excellent for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
Storing
Store leftover quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s well covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
While quinoa can be frozen, the textures of the veggies and feta may not hold up well when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat quinoa in the microwave for a quick snack, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad as a refreshing side dish at summer BBQs, or as a light lunch on its own. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome meal. For kitchen essentials, check out this salad bowl for an easy mixing experience!
Related Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook quinoa
In a pot, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
Prepare vegetables and cheese
In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
Make dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a simple vinaigrette.
Dress and garnish
Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or roasted veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and cool the quinoa, chop vegetables, and refrigerate separately. Combine with feta, olives, and dressing just before serving to keep textures fresh.
Can I substitute feta or add other vegetables?
Feta can be substituted with crumbled goat cheese or omitted for a vegan version. You can also mix in spinach, arugula, or roasted vegetables to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. All ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I serve with this salad?
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve as a hearty side with bread or pita.
