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To make the Mediterranean quinoa salad, you need: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste You can add these for more flavor: - Avocado, diced - Artichoke hearts, chopped - Spinach or arugula, for greens - Roasted red peppers, diced This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Here are some details: - Serving Size: 1 cup - Calories: Approximately 250 - Protein: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Fiber: 7 grams The combination of quinoa, chickpeas, and veggies makes this salad filling. It offers a great mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The fresh herbs and lemon juice add bright flavors. You can find the full recipe to enjoy this simple and nutritious meal! To cook the quinoa, start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will become fluffy and absorb all the liquid. After it cooks, take it off the heat and let it cool. While the quinoa cools, you can prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, add the following fresh ingredients: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Mix these veggies well. They add color and crunch to your salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing will brighten your salad. Once the quinoa has cooled, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the prepared vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently. Make sure all the ingredients mix well. If you want creaminess, sprinkle ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Letting it sit for about 30 minutes helps the flavors blend. Enjoy your fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! For the full recipe, check the details above. To cook quinoa, rinse it first. This removes bitter flavor. Use two cups of vegetable broth for each cup of quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. After that, let it cool. Fluff it with a fork for a light texture. For a tasty kick, try garlic powder, cumin, or smoked paprika. Mix these with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint really boost flavor, too. You can also add a dash of chili flakes for heat. Experiment until you find your favorite mix. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. Place it in a large bowl for sharing. You can also present it in individual plates. For an extra touch, garnish with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side. You can pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. Check the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Mediterranean quinoa salad to make it a full meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. If you want a plant-based option, try adding more chickpeas or black beans. Tofu is another good choice. You can also use nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein. While the basic dressing is simple, you can change it up. Try adding balsamic vinegar for a sweeter taste. You can also use tahini for a creamier texture. A splash of red wine vinegar adds a nice zing. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don't like olives, skip them. You can replace cucumbers with radishes or celery for a different crunch. Use spinach instead of parsley for a fresh twist. The fun part of this salad is making it yours. For the full recipe, check the main section. Store your Mediterranean quinoa salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool the salad first before sealing it. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 5 days. Glass containers work best for storing your salad. They do not stain, and they seal tightly. If you prefer plastic, choose BPA-free containers. Look for ones that are microwave safe if you plan to reheat. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, heat it gently. Use the microwave and heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating to keep the veggies crisp. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving. For the full recipe, check out the linked details. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors get better over time, but the veggies may soften. Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients, like broth, are also gluten-free. You can use goat cheese or vegan cheese as a substitute for feta cheese. If you want a dairy-free option, try using avocado or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. Yes, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a healthy choice. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Quinoa adds protein, while veggies offer nutrients. This salad supports a balanced diet. For the full recipe, check out the section above. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. We reviewed key ingredients and step-by-step cooking tips. You learned how to improve flavor and keep it fresh. Plus, we shared ways to personalize your salad with protein and dressings. In closing, both the flavor and health benefits make this salad great. Enjoy making it your own and share it with family and friends.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that's perfect for any meal! This refreshing dish combines fluffy quinoa with fresh veggies, protein-packed chickpeas, and a zesty dressing. It's not only healthy but also quick to prepare in under 45 minutes. Dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make a colorful salad that will impress your guests.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

    While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, drained chickpeas, black olives, and chopped parsley.

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

        Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently until well combined.

          If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top of the salad at this point for added flavor and creaminess.

            Serve chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld for about 30 minutes before serving if possible.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a vibrant look.