**Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe: 40 Years of Delicious Memories**
A refreshing and healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, perfect as a side dish. This salad brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, inspired by our travels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook salad preparation, with quinoa cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Combine quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the vegetables: While quinoa cooks, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Halve the Kalamata olives and finely chop the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
- Add herbs and cheese: Stir in the chopped parsley and mint. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad immediately, or chill for later.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese.
- You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or chickpeas.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Sugar: Approximately 3-5g
- Sodium: Approximately 200-400mg (varies with olives and added salt)
- Fat: Approximately 12-18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 5-10mg (if feta is used)
Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/mediterranean-quinoa-salad-refreshing/