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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a vegan version) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering the right ingredients makes this salad shine. Start with quinoa. Quinoa is a grain that is high in protein. It also has fiber, which is great for digestion. Rinse it well before cooking to remove a bitter coating. Next, use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Dice a cucumber and a bell pepper for freshness. Finely chop red onion for a sharp taste. Kalamata olives add a salty touch and depth. If you like cheese, crumble feta for a creamier texture. Lastly, parsley adds brightness. For the dressing, use olive oil and lemon juice. They create a zesty flavor. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. You can find the full recipe for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad at the end of this article. To start, you need to prepare the quinoa. First, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. This step is key, as the broth adds rich flavor to the quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the broth and become fluffy. After cooking, fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool. While the quinoa cools, it’s time to chop the vegetables. Grab a large bowl and combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and parsley. Each ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color. The tomatoes bring sweetness, while the olives add a salty touch. Make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing is simple but full of bright flavors. The olive oil and lemon juice create a nice balance, while the oregano adds a Mediterranean touch. Whisk until well combined and set aside for later. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Once the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently. This action ensures that all the ingredients get coated in the dressing. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for extra creaminess. Toss gently once more to combine. Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes. This waiting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above! To make the best quinoa, start by rinsing it. Rinsing removes any bitterness. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. This step is key for a great taste. Next, cook quinoa in vegetable broth. This adds flavor and depth to the dish. For a zesty kick, try adding minced garlic or a bit of mustard to the dressing. Both options bring new flavors to the salad. You can also adjust the lemon juice. Add more if you love tang, or less if you prefer a milder taste. Serve your Mediterranean quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature. It tastes great either way. This salad works well as a side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your Mediterranean quinoa salad easily. Add grilled chicken for a hearty touch. If you prefer a plant-based option, toss in some chickpeas. They add texture and keep the salad filling. If you want a vegan twist, try substituting feta cheese with nutritional yeast. This swap gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Using seasonal vegetables makes this salad even better. Fresh produce shines in your dish and enhances flavors. In summer, try ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. In spring, asparagus and peas are delightful choices. Don't forget to play with herbs, too! Fresh basil or mint can add a bright note to your salad. Quinoa is great, but it’s not your only option. You can swap quinoa for couscous, farro, or barley. Each grain brings its unique flavor and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, quinoa is perfect. You can also use gluten-free grains like brown rice or millet. Enjoy exploring these variations to find your perfect mix! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You should eat it within 3-4 days. After that, the flavors may fade. You can freeze this salad, but it might change the texture. If you choose to freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This way, it returns to a better state. To keep the salad crisp, store the dressing separately. Add it just before serving. Also, chop and mix in fresh veggies at the last minute for the best crunch. Yes, it can be made a day in advance for flavor development. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to blend nicely. This means you get a more vibrant taste when you serve it. Couscous, bulgur, or brown rice are excellent alternatives. These grains have unique flavors and textures. You could try mixing them for a fun twist. Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great choice. If you stick with quinoa, you can enjoy this dish without worry. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a total time of approximately 40 minutes. This quick recipe is perfect for busy days or meal prep. Absolutely, use any favorite vegetables or what you have on hand. You can add spinach, carrots, or even artichokes. The options are endless! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. The mix of nutrients helps keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it’s colorful and fun to eat! In this blog post, we explored a simple yet delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. We highlighted key ingredients, their nutritional benefits, and step-by-step instructions for preparation. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested variations to suit your tastes. Remember, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this refreshing dish for any meal, and share it with friends for a healthy treat.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Looking for a refreshing and healthy dish? Try this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with vibrant flavors!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a vegan version)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup 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 vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

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

      While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and parsley.

        To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

          Once the quinoa has cooled down to room temperature, add it to the bowl of vegetables.

            Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.

              Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top (if using) and give it one last gentle toss.

                Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors together before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4