Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion?
This Mediterranean Greek Quinoa Salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures.
It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, making it not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome choice for your meals.
Quick and Easy Greek Quinoa Salad
This Greek quinoa salad combines fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s a mouthwatering option for meal prep or a sunny picnic, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course. The quinoa acts as a hearty base, while the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives add layers of flavor. A zesty lemon dressing ties everything together, leaving you with a satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
A Healthy and Flavorful Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Greek Quinoa Salad offers a delightful combination of colors and textures. The fluffy quinoa serves as a fantastic base, providing a satisfying foundation for the fresh ingredients that follow.
Imagine vibrant cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, crisp cucumbers adding a refreshing crunch, and colorful bell peppers contributing both flavor and visual appeal. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tastes that transport you to sunnier Mediterranean locales.
The Ingredients That Shine
The key components of this salad include Kalamata olives, known for their briny richness, and crumbled feta cheese which brings a creamy element to the dish. Fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous brightness, making each serving not just nutritious but also visually appealing.
These thoughtfully chosen ingredients create a balance that appeals to the palate, ensuring that every forkful is packed with Mediterranean flair. The zesty lemon dressing ties everything together, accentuating the freshness of the vegetables.
Preparation Process
To begin, cooking the quinoa is straightforward. Once rinsed and cooked to fluffy perfection, it becomes the heart of the salad, ready to absorb the vibrant flavors surrounding it.
While the quinoa is cooling, chopping the vegetables provides an opportunity to prepare everything for a delightful mix. The colorful medley not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures a variety of textures in every bite.
The Perfect Dressing
A simple yet flavorful dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper elevates this salad. Whisking these ingredients together creates a zesty vinaigrette that complements the freshness of the vegetables beautifully.
Drizzling this dressing over the assembled salad before a brief chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld. The result is a dish that exudes freshness and liveliness, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal.
When it comes to serving, this quinoa salad shines in its versatility. Whether as a side dish at a barbecue or as a light main course, it adapts to various dining occasions.
Pair it with grilled proteins for a hearty meal or serve it alongside warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean experience. The rustic bowl presentation on a wooden table, garnished with a lemon wedge and a drizzle of olive oil, creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
This colorful quinoa salad is not only pleasing to the eye but also offers nutritional benefits. Each serving is packed with protein and fiber, making it a fulfilling choice for health-conscious diners.
For those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that this dish contains dairy due to the feta cheese and may not be suitable for those sensitive to gluten unless certified gluten-free quinoa is used.
FAQ
How do you cook quinoa for a Greek quinoa salad?
Rinse the quinoa to remove any bitterness, then simmer it in water or broth (2 cups liquid for 1 cup quinoa) until fluffy. Let it cool completely before mixing it into the salad to avoid wilting the veggies.
What dressing pairs best with Greek quinoa salad?
A classic Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano complements the flavors perfectly. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for the ultimate zesty touch.
Can Greek quinoa salad be made in advance?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.