Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both healthy and easy to make? Look no further! This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, this recipe is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, all while being completely gluten-free. It's one of those easy recipes that's both impressive and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients:
This healthy meal requires simple ingredients, easily found in most grocery stores.
- 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
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
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 freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cooking this delicious dish is simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Here's how to prepare this quick dinner idea:
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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 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata 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, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Serve: Serve the salad immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or basil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast your vegetables before adding them to the salad for a deeper flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve with time!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fat: 15-20g
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best recipes with a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy this gluten-free delight!