Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? This gluten-free Mediterranean quinoa salad is the perfect solution! Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, it's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant dinner. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and is easily customizable to your preferences, making it one of the best recipes for healthy eating.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool. This is a simple step for even the most beginner cooks.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the parsley and mint. Preparing the ingredients in advance makes the assembly super quick.
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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. This homemade dressing adds a burst of flavor.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese (if using), parsley, and mint.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. This delicious salad is even better the next day!
Cooking Tips:
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
- To make this a complete meal, add some grilled protein like shrimp or chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Omit the feta cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
- Summer Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Add other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe's nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for a serving shows it as a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal. For accurate nutritional data, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
This gluten-free Mediterranean quinoa salad is a delightful and healthy option for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this easy recipe and feel free to adapt it to your preferences! It's one of those recipes that's incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great example of homemade cooking at its finest and easily becomes one of your best recipes.