Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, inspired by the fresh ingredients found at Sprouts Farmers Market, is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant lunch. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is a celebration of fresh produce and wholesome ingredients. It's one of those easy recipes that's both impressive and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable; feel free to double or halve the ingredients depending on how many servings you need.
- 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
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
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.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Dice and chop everything to a similar size for even distribution in the salad.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can go a long way!
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
-
Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For a heartier salad: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Make it vegan: Omit the feta cheese or substitute with vegan feta.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Sprouts Farmers Market often has seasonal vegetables that would be perfect additions.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on ingredients and portion size)
This delicious and healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It’s quick, simple, customizable and brimming with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. Enjoy this easy recipe as a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a side dish at your next gathering. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!