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To make the Mediterranean quinoa salad, you need these key items: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, 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, chopped - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. It helps you feel full. Tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants. They boost your immune system. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. They keep you refreshed. Olives offer healthy fats and support heart health. Feta cheese adds calcium and flavor. Parsley is rich in vitamins and can aid digestion. Each bite of this salad brings health benefits to your meal. Choose organic quinoa when possible. It tastes better and is better for you. Fresh vegetables are key. Look for firm tomatoes and bright peppers. Use extra-virgin olive oil for a rich taste. It has more nutrients than regular oil. Kalamata olives should be pitted for ease. Choose high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Fresh parsley should be vibrant green. These choices will make your salad shine. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitterness. Next, in a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the water and become fluffy. After cooking, fluff it with a fork and let it cool. In a large bowl, take the cooled quinoa and add the following: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, 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, chopped Mix all these ingredients well. This step allows the flavors to blend. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Pour this dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get fluffy quinoa, rinse it well. Rinsing removes bitterness. Use a fine mesh strainer. In a saucepan, combine one cup of quinoa with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When the water is gone, fluff the quinoa with a fork. This step makes it light and airy. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or mint. These herbs add bright notes. You can also try roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For more zest, drizzle some lemon juice right before serving. This will wake up all the flavors in the salad. Avoid skipping the rinse step; it impacts taste. Don't overcook the quinoa. This makes it mushy instead of fluffy. Also, be careful with salt. Too much can overpower other flavors. Lastly, let the salad sit for a bit after mixing. This helps all the tastes meld together. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your Mediterranean quinoa salad. Chickpeas are a great choice. They add texture and flavor. You can also try grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options work well and make the salad more filling. Tofu is another option for a plant-based protein. Just make sure to season it well. These additions make the salad a complete meal. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have. Spinach or kale adds a nice touch of green. Roasted red peppers can replace fresh ones for a smoky flavor. Artichoke hearts bring a unique taste. You can even add sweet corn for a pop of sweetness. Don't be afraid to mix and match your favorites. While the classic dressing is olive oil and lemon juice, you can explore other flavors. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet tang. Try a yogurt-based dressing for a creamy twist. You can also use tahini for a nutty flavor. Experiment with herbs like basil or mint for freshness. Each dressing changes the salad's vibe, so have fun with it. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store your Mediterranean quinoa salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. If you have extra dressing, keep it separate. Adding the dressing later helps keep the salad crisp. The salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Use your senses to check. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to throw it out. You can freeze quinoa salad, but some ingredients may change texture. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will keep for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy the full recipe when you’re ready! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting. I recommend making it a few hours before serving. This way, the flavors blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Yes, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is a great grain option for those avoiding gluten. It provides protein and fiber without the gluten found in wheat. Enjoy this salad worry-free! If you don’t have feta cheese, try using goat cheese or even ricotta. You could also leave it out if you want a dairy-free option. Finally, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor too. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to keep it even longer, store the dressing separately. Just mix it in when you're ready to eat. This post covered how to make a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad. You learned about essential ingredients and their health perks. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare it perfectly. You found tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor. You also explored variations to suit your taste and storage methods for keeping leftovers fresh. Keep these points in mind as you create your own salad. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!

- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Discover the delicious and nutritious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a fresh and healthy option perfect for any meal! This vibrant salad is packed with protein-rich quinoa, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing that will brighten your table. With simple steps and customizable ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that supports your wellness. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this mouthwatering salad today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, 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, chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

      In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.

          Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

            Taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

              Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of feta for a vibrant finish.