Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe: Light & Refreshing
Light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant colors. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, it’s a satisfying dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a hearty side, or a potluck favorite, this salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in just minutes.
Read more about: Health Benefits, Recipes, How To Prepare Quinoa
Quinoa Salad Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked): Rinse well before cooking to remove bitterness. Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free seed rich in fiber and minerals.
- 2 cups water: Used to cook the quinoa. You can substitute with low-sodium vegetable broth for added flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for juiciness and color. Grape tomatoes also work well.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Use an English cucumber for fewer seeds and a milder flavor. Peel if the skin is thick or waxy.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp, zesty crunch. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced: Briny and rich in flavor, these olives add depth to the salad. Make sure they’re pitted.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: creamy and tangy. Use traditional sheep’s milk feta for a more authentic Mediterranean taste.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note. You can also mix in some chopped mint or basil for variation.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon adds acidity and freshness. You may add some lemon zest for extra zing.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity flavor and health benefits. Cold-pressed is ideal.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season gradually and adjust after tossing everything together. Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
- While the quinoa is cooling, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 84 Quick & Easy Recipes from Greece, Spain, Italy & Beyond - 7 Day Meal Plan & Nutritional Information
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 206 |
| Publication Date | 2025-03-20T00:00:01Z |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
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