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To make a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad, you'll need these main items: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 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 These ingredients create a fresh and colorful base for your salad. Quinoa is a great grain that adds protein. The vegetables bring crunch and flavor. The olives and cheese add a savory kick. For the dressing, gather these components: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet flavorful. The olive oil adds richness, while the lemon juice gives it a bright taste. The oregano adds a touch of Mediterranean flair, making the salad sing! You can also dress up your salad with: - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - Additional feta cheese Fresh herbs add a burst of color and scent. They make your dish look and taste even better. You can sprinkle extra feta on top for a creamy finish. This Mediterranean quinoa salad is not just healthy; it’s fun to make and share! For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. This removes any bitter coating. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and become fluffy. After 15 minutes, remove it from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once cool, mix in your chopped vegetables. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. Crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese for a delicious flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the quinoa salad. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly. Now, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint. This will add a burst of freshness. After mixing, adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. For the full recipe, refer to the previous section. Rinsing quinoa is key to removing its natural coating. This coating can make quinoa taste bitter. To rinse it, place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water for about a minute. This small step really helps enhance the flavor. To ensure fluffy quinoa, follow a simple method. Use two parts liquid to one part quinoa. Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the quinoa. After boiling, reduce the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, let it sit for five more minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This makes a big difference in texture. Adding spices can boost the flavor of your salad. Consider adding paprika or cumin for a warm touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. Experiment with these spices to find your favorite mix. When it comes to pairing, think of fresh herbs. Mint and parsley work well together. You can also add some avocado slices or nuts for extra creaminess and crunch. These additions can elevate your dish. You can serve this salad cold or at room temperature. Chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend well. It tastes great fresh out of the fridge. For a creative presentation, use a large bowl or platter. Arrange the salad in layers, showing off its colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra feta and herbs on top. You can also serve it with warm pita bread or grilled veggies for a full meal. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even more filling. Adding legumes boosts protein. Think chickpeas or black beans. They add texture and flavor. You can also swap out cheeses. Try goat cheese, or skip cheese for a vegan twist. Quinoa is great, but it’s not the only option. You can use bulgur or farro for a different texture. Rice also works well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for these grains. For the dressing, keep it simple. Add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of spice to brighten the flavors. Seasonal veggies can change the salad's taste. In summer, fresh zucchini or bell peppers work well. In fall, roasted squash is a nice touch. You can also swap flavors based on what you find at the market. Use fresh herbs when they are in season for the best taste. Experiment with these variations to keep your Mediterranean quinoa salad fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To store your Mediterranean quinoa salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. The salad may taste better after a day, as the flavors mix. Just make sure to stir it before serving. If you see any moisture or separation, give it a quick mix. Can you freeze Mediterranean quinoa salad? Yes, but it’s not the best choice. Freezing can change the texture of the veggies. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze the salad without the dressing. This way, the veggies stay crisp. You can freeze it for up to a month. To thaw, move the salad from the freezer to the fridge a day before. This method keeps it safe. When ready to eat, do not microwave it. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps keep the texture. If you want to warm it up, try a quick heat in a pan on low. Just be careful not to cook it. You want to keep the fresh taste. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh dish packed with flavor. It combines fluffy quinoa with vibrant veggies. You will find cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper in every bite. Kalamata olives and feta cheese add a salty kick. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint brighten the salad. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice, bringing everything together. This salad is colorful and full of textures. You can find the full recipe above. Yes, this salad is very healthy! Quinoa is a grain high in protein and fiber. It helps keep you full and satisfied. The fresh veggies provide vitamins and minerals. For example, tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. Olives add healthy fats, while feta cheese offers calcium. Overall, this salad supports a balanced diet and can help you feel great. You can keep Mediterranean Quinoa Salad in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. If you notice any change in smell or color, throw it away. To enjoy the best flavor, eat it within the first two days. This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad blends healthy ingredients and bright flavors. It starts with fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables, then adds olives and cheese. The olive oil dressing ties everything together. You can customize it with herbs, spices, or additional toppings. In conclusion, this salad offers variety and nutrition. It’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Embrace the flexibility of this dish and enjoy its vibrant taste. Your friends and family will love it. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Ready in just 1 hour, it's ideal for meal prep or a delightful side dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or 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
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
    In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
      Once the quinoa has cooled, add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the bowl.
        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
          Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
            Finally, fold in the fresh parsley and mint, giving the salad a light mix to incorporate the herbs.
              Adjust seasoning if necessary and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4
                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl, garnished with additional feta crumbles and fresh herbs on top. Pair with pita bread or serve it as a side dish with grilled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.