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Refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

This Refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, it’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Instructions

  1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley, mixing them gently to blend the flavors.
  3. Combine Quinoa and Vegetables: Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, then gently fold it into the bowl with the prepared vegetables, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
  4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  5. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking them down.
  6. Add Feta Cheese and Chill: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, quinoa can be toasted in a dry skillet before cooking.
  • Feel free to substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a tangier dressing.
  • To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Chilling the salad enhances the flavor, but it can be served immediately if short on time.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the feta and olives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean quinoa salad, healthy quinoa salad, vegetarian salad, feta quinoa salad, easy quinoa recipe

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/refreshing-mediterranean-quinoa-salad-recipe/