Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Vibrant, Nutritious, and Delicious

Mediterranean Quinoa SaladPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region. This salad is not only visually appealing with its colorful ingredients but also packed with essential nutrients.

Get the Recipe Details: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 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 fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a versatile and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-packed quinoa, and flavorful dressing makes it a perfect choice for any meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!