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- Quinoa and Broth - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth or water Quinoa is a healthy grain. It cooks fluffy and adds protein. Use vegetable broth for extra flavor. - Fresh Produce (Tomatoes, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Red Onion) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped Fresh produce makes this salad bright and tasty. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Cucumber adds crunch. Bell pepper gives color. Red onion adds a nice kick. - Fats and Condiments (Olives, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice) - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice Kalamata olives bring a salty punch. Feta cheese adds creaminess. Olive oil and lemon juice make a zesty dressing. - Herbs and Spices (Oregano, Fresh Parsley, Salt, Pepper) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Oregano gives a Mediterranean flair. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Adjust salt and pepper for your taste. This mix of ingredients makes the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad a flavorful and fresh dish. For the complete list of instructions, check the Full Recipe. Rinsing and Cooking Quinoa First, measure 1 cup of quinoa. Place it in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water. This step removes any bitterness. Next, add the rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when the liquid is absorbed. Cooling Process After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Transfer it to a large bowl to cool. Let it sit until it reaches room temperature. This keeps your salad fresh and tasty. Combining Fresh Ingredients While the quinoa cools, prepare the fresh veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and halve them. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. Finely chop 1/2 a red onion. Slice 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these fresh ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Preparing the Dressing In a small bowl, make the dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing adds a zesty flavor to your salad. Tossing the Salad Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together. Make sure each ingredient gets coated with the dressing. Adjusting Seasonings Taste your salad. You may want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Adjust the seasonings to fit your preference. This step ensures your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is just right. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. - Alternative Grains: You can swap quinoa for bulgur or farro. These grains offer different textures and flavors. They can make your dish unique. Try bulgur for a softer bite or farro for a chewy texture. - Dairy-Free Options: If you want to skip dairy, use nutritional yeast instead of feta cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without milk. You can also use avocado for creaminess. - Additional Herbs and Spices: To boost taste, add fresh basil or mint. These herbs give a fragrant touch. You can also sprinkle in some cumin or paprika for a warm spice note. - Suggested Toppings: Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. Pine nuts or sunflower seeds add crunch. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet finish. - Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad in a large bowl for a family-style meal. You can also plate it in individual bowls for a more formal touch. - Garnishing Tips: Garnish with extra parsley and whole olives on top. This adds color and visual appeal. A lemon wedge on the side can invite guests to add more zing. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 🥗. {{image_2}} For those who follow a vegan diet, skip the feta cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese or leave it out. The salad stays fresh and tasty without it. You can also make this dish gluten-free by ensuring you use certified gluten-free quinoa. If you're looking to boost protein, add chickpeas. They pair well with the other ingredients. You can also grill chicken. This will add a lovely smoky flavor. Both options make the salad heartier and more filling. Using seasonal vegetables makes this salad even better. In the summer, add ripe tomatoes and bell peppers. In the fall, try roasted squash or sweet potatoes. Each season brings new flavors to enjoy. You can also adjust the dressing based on what's in season. In the summer, use fresh herbs like basil. In the winter, add a touch of warm spices like cumin. These small changes can change the whole taste of the salad. Want to mix it up? Try Mediterranean quinoa salad with a twist. Add diced mango for a sweet touch. You can also use avocado for creaminess. These additions can create a vibrant, fresh take on this classic dish. The Mediterranean quinoa salad is versatile. The full recipe allows you to explore different tastes and textures. Experiment and find combinations you love! To keep your Mediterranean quinoa salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. The salad can last for about three to five days in the fridge. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This way, your salad stays crisp. Freezing is also an option. However, freezing can change the texture of some ingredients. I suggest freezing only the quinoa and not the veggies or feta. To freeze, place the quinoa in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Quinoa can last up to three months in the freezer. For the best taste and quality, eat your salad within three days. After that, it may start losing its freshness. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to toss it out. When stored properly, fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers can lose their crunch over time. To keep them fresh, use them within the first two days. Reheating your quinoa salad needs care. You want to maintain its flavor and texture. The best method is to warm it gently in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to help with moisture. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salad soggy. If you prefer it cold, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving. How long does Mediterranean Quinoa Salad last in the fridge? This salad can last up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. What can I serve with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad? You can serve this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or even pita bread. It pairs well with hummus or tzatziki sauce too. What are the health benefits of quinoa? Quinoa is a great source of protein. It has all nine essential amino acids. It is also high in fiber and antioxidants. This makes quinoa a healthy choice for many diets. Is this salad low in calories? Yes, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is low in calories. Each serving has about 200 calories. It is filling yet light, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. What is a typical serving size for quinoa salad? A typical serving size is about one cup. This gives you a good balance of flavors and nutrients. How many people does this recipe serve? This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for sharing at a picnic or family meal. You can easily double the recipe if you need more. Check the Full Recipe for details. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Mediterranean quinoa salad. We looked at key ingredients like fresh veggies, herbs, and healthy fats. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, mix, and serve your salad. I shared tips on variations and storage too. In the end, making this salad is not just easy; it’s fun. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy the fresh flavors and healthy benefits that come from your kitchen!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This refreshing dish combines quinoa, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a nutritious meal ready in just 30 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth or water

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

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
 

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

    In a medium saucepan, add the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

      Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.

            Once the quinoa is cool, add it to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything until evenly coated.

              Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter. Garnish with additional parsley and a few whole olives on top for a colorful and inviting presentation.