![To make a Mediterranean quinoa salad, gather these fresh and vibrant ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients shine in this dish. The quinoa base provides protein and fiber. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber add crunch and color. Feta cheese and Kalamata olives bring richness and tang. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing ties everything together with a zesty kick. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions. Enjoy creating this delightful salad! First, rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. This removes the saponins, which can make it taste bitter. Next, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the quinoa to absorb all the liquid. After cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Fluff it with a fork before mixing it with the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine your fresh vegetables. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup of halved Kalamata olives. Toss in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. For the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to combine. I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl. This shows off the bright colors of the ingredients. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make the best quinoa, start by rinsing it well. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about a minute. This small step makes a big difference in taste. When cooking quinoa, use two cups of vegetable broth or water for every cup of quinoa. Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the rinsed quinoa. Once you add it, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork. This helps create that light and airy texture. Herbs and spices add a lot of flavor. For a Mediterranean touch, I love adding fresh parsley and dried oregano. These herbs brighten up the dish and enhance its taste. You can also mix in some garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. If you want more crunch or protein, try adding chickpeas or roasted nuts. Grilled chicken or shrimp also works well. These options not only boost flavor but also make the salad heartier. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for other tasty toppings. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Mediterranean quinoa salad in many ways. Chickpeas are a great option. They add a nice texture and boost the protein content. If you prefer meat, grilled chicken works well. Just dice it and mix it in. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Cook it lightly before adding it to the salad. For some extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add great flavor. Sunflower seeds can also add a nice touch. Just sprinkle them on top or mix them into the salad. This salad can easily fit different diets. If you want a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. Tofu is another option that adds protein. For those who avoid gluten, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a great base since it’s gluten-free. Just make sure any added ingredients, like dressings or toppings, are also gluten-free. Store your Mediterranean quinoa salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It lasts up to five days in the fridge. If you need to save some, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it without losing flavor. Yes, you can freeze this salad! However, the texture may change a bit. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It stays good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pan over low heat. You can also enjoy it cold. Just add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad section above. Enjoy your delicious meal! To cook quinoa, start by rinsing it well under cold water. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Next, in a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed, remove it from heat and let it cool. Fluff it with a fork for a light, fluffy texture. This method gives you perfect quinoa every time. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It actually tastes better after resting. I suggest preparing it a few hours in advance. After mixing the salad, cover it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. If you prep it a day before, just keep the dressing separate until serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. To add some heat, consider these options: - Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. - Add a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. - Include spicy olives for a zesty kick. These small changes can elevate the flavor and give your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad a delightful zing. You learned how to make a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad. We covered the key ingredients, from quinoa to fresh veggies and feta. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You also got tips on perfecting flavors and making it your own. This salad is versatile and great for meal prep. Enjoy the vibrant flavors, and feel free to experiment with toppings. With proper storage, it stays fresh and delicious. Enjoy your cooking, and I hope this dish brightens your meals!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d8ad7ec3-5d99-4304-ad62-63bc072f6cc8-300x300.webp)
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Discover the deliciousness of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion! This vibrant salad blends healthy quinoa with colorful veggies, creamy feta, and briny olives for a delightful meal that bursts with taste. Follow my easy step-by-step guide to create this healthy and impressive salad. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your meal planning with this yummy, nutritious option!