Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and vibrant colors. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad makes for a perfect light meal or a hearty side dish. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives creates a delightful texture, while the fresh herbs bring a burst of aromatic flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a picnic treat, this salad is sure to please. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, or by incorporating seasonal vegetables.

The simple preparation and the ability to make it ahead of time make it a practical choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight any time of the year!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 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
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water, bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to fluff up.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
5. Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Finally, fold in the fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Extra Tips