Description
This vibrant Mediterranean quinoa salad is a fresh, healthy dish packed with colorful vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a nourishing side, embodying the wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean diet.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Cook Quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa becomes fluffy.
- Cool Quinoa: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cooked quinoa to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with chopped red bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the quinoa and vegetables. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning according to preference.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and optionally garnish with extra parsley for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Quinoa can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge to speed up preparation.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities to taste for a more tangy or rich dressing.
- Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
