MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the best flavours of the Mediterranean. Mix cooked quinoa with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress the salad with a simple yet flavourful blend of olive oil and lemon juice, seasoned with salt and pepper. This dish is nutritious and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal full of flavour and texture.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Snack, Entrée, Side
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Quick & Easy, Prepared in Advance, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Picnic, Potluck, Summer, Family Reunion, Backyard BBQ, Anniversary, Spring, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Low Fat, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Wheat / Gluten-Free, Kid Friendly
DISH TYPE
Salad, Side, Light Meal, Appetisers, Hors D’Oeuvres
INGREDIENTS FOR MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
- 1/4 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugars: 2g
- Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 10% of DV
- Iron: 8% of DV
PREPARATION FOR MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
- Prepare the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: Combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the Salad: Toss all the ingredients together until you evenly coat them with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving for a more refreshing salad.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes (including quinoa cooking time)
TIPS FOR MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
- Quinoa: Make sure the quinoa is thoroughly cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
- Freshness: Use fresh lemon juice for the dressing to enhance the bright flavours of the salad.
- Texture: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
VARIATIONS
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil to elevate the flavour profile.
- Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the vegetables may lose their crispness.
- Advance Prep: You can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.