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Looking for a bright, tangy, and refreshing dish to perk up your meal routine? This Mediterranean quinoa salad is exactly that. It’s bursting with fresh vegetables, savory olives, and vibrant herbs, all tied together by a citrusy vinaigrette. Whether you’re new to quinoa or already a fan, this recipe captures everything we love about breezy Mediterranean flavors with a wholesome, modern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped (optional for extra freshness)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To start, combine your rinsed quinoa with water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed—typically about 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
As the quinoa cools, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to form a light, zesty dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you like, adding a bit of extra lemon juice for brightness or a pinch more salt if needed.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and finely chopped red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Finish by folding in the parsley (and mint, if you’re using it) along with the crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy.
This quinoa salad is a wonderful choice for a light lunch, a colorful picnic offering, or a lively side dish with grilled chicken or fish. The protein-packed quinoa and fresh vegetables make it a balanced, nourishing meal. Adjust the herbs to suit your taste, swap in arugula or baby spinach for added greens, or try a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist. However you dish it up, this Mediterranean quinoa salad delivers on flavor, flexibility, and fuss-free flair—perfect for anyone looking to bring a taste of sunshine to their table.
