Are you ready to add a burst of sunshine to your dinner plate? This vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is not just delicious; it's a celebration of fresh, healthy ingredients, packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or a stunning side dish, this easy recipe is a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking. Get ready to experience the joy of eating the rainbow!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable to fit your needs. The measurements below are for approximately 4 servings.
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the olives. Chop the parsley and mint.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success:
- Rinse your quinoa: This removes saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- Don't overcook the quinoa: It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste: Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Get creative with your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, carrots, or avocado.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp would be delicious additions to this salad.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this salad over a bed of mixed greens for extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 8-10g Fiber: 5-7g
This is a rough estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fantastic example of easy, healthy, and delicious food recipes. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, showcasing the beauty and benefits of homemade cooking. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of creating a healthy and colorful meal. It’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite, adding brightness and goodness to your everyday meals. Enjoy!