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To start, gather these key items for your Mediterranean quinoa salad: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 crisp cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a colorful and tasty dish. Each element brings its unique flavor and texture. The quinoa serves as a light base, while the vegetables add crunch and freshness. Feta cheese gives a salty kick, and olives add depth. You can boost your salad with these optional extras: - Roasted red peppers for sweetness - Artichoke hearts for a tangy bite - Avocado for creaminess - Fresh mint or basil for herbal notes - Chickpeas for added protein These additions help you customize your salad to fit your taste. Feel free to mix and match to create a dish you love. Mediterranean quinoa salad is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients: - Quinoa is a complete protein source. - Fresh veggies provide vitamins and minerals. - Olive oil offers healthy fats. - Feta cheese adds calcium. This salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal. It supports a balanced diet and keeps you energized. You can find the full recipe for Mediterranean quinoa salad in the recipe section. Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove any bitter taste. Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and two cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will become fluffy, and all the liquid will absorb. After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. While the quinoa cools, prepare your fresh vegetables. Grab a large mixing bowl and add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one diced cucumber, and half a finely chopped red onion. Then, add half a cup of sliced Kalamata olives and half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. Mix these ingredients gently to combine. This colorful mix adds flavor and crunch to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano, along with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This dressing adds zest and ties the salad together. Make sure to whisk well until all ingredients combine. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with your mixed vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Make sure all ingredients are coated well. For a fresh touch, fold in a quarter cup of roughly chopped parsley. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now you're ready to serve this delightful dish. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To get fluffy quinoa, rinse it well before cooking. This helps remove bitterness. Use two cups of vegetable broth or water for each cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cook until the liquid is gone, about 15 minutes. After cooking, let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. This step makes a big difference in texture. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish and brings out the flavors. You can also mix in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a twist. When you mix the dressing, blend olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper well. This ensures an even flavor throughout the salad. Taste as you mix to find the right balance for your palate. Serve your quinoa salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. A colorful presentation makes it more inviting. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or a slice of lemon for freshness. You can also add extra feta or olives on top for visual appeal. A well-presented salad not only looks good but also makes for a great conversation starter. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your Mediterranean quinoa salad to make it heartier. Grilled chicken adds a nice touch. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. They add great flavor and texture. Simply rinse a can of chickpeas and toss them in. This salad is easy to make vegetarian or vegan. To keep it vegetarian, use feta cheese. For a vegan option, skip the feta or use a vegan cheese. You can substitute with avocado for creaminess. It adds healthy fats and a lovely flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients based on the season. In summer, add bell peppers for crunch and color. In fall, consider roasted sweet potatoes for warmth. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or mint when in season. They give a fresh twist to the salad. These variations make the Mediterranean quinoa salad versatile and fun. Check the full recipe for more ideas! To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place the container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for three to five days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, throw it out right away. Freezing quinoa salad is not the best option. The veggies can get mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze it, leave out fresh ingredients like cucumber and tomatoes. Freeze the quinoa and dressing separately. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, and add fresh veggies just before serving. Quinoa salad lasts up to five days in the fridge. Keep it covered to maintain flavor. Check for wilting greens or off smells before eating. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. If you want to enjoy the salad later, consider making a smaller batch. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Just remember to add the parsley just before serving for a fresh touch. This salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with pita bread and hummus. For a vegetarian option, try it with stuffed peppers or falafel. The bright flavors complement these meals nicely. You can easily adjust this recipe for different diets. If you are gluten-free, quinoa is a perfect choice. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. If you have nut allergies, check your broth or oil for hidden ingredients. This salad is very flexible! The full recipe for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad includes the following ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 crisp cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste You can follow the detailed instructions to create this delightful dish in no time. This post taught you how to make a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad. You learned about key ingredients and ways to enhance flavor. I shared tips for cooking perfect quinoa and gave ideas for meal variations. Plus, I covered the best practices for storing leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this healthy dish anytime. Whether you stick to the recipe or try your own ideas, it’s a win for your meals. Enjoy your cooking!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Mediterranean quinoa salad with this easy-to-follow recipe! Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta, this vibrant dish is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side or a light main course, it's ready in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal prep today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 crisp cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed.

    After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the quinoa to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Use a fork to gently fluff it, separating the grains for a light texture.

      While the quinoa cools, prepare the fresh vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, mixing them gently to distribute evenly.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a zesty dressing.

          Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated.

            For a burst of freshness, gently fold in the chopped parsley with care, preserving its vibrant color.

              Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary, ensuring it’s flavorful to your liking.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: For an enticing presentation, serve the quinoa salad in a large, beautiful salad bowl or divide it into individual portions. Garnish each serving with additional parsley and a lemon slice on the side, adding a pop of color and citrusy aroma to enhance the dish’s appeal.