Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing. This wholesome salad is perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, combining protein-rich quinoa with crisp peppers, cucumber, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors from capers and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked and rinsed)
- 2 cups water
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 bell peppers (small diced, any color – red and yellow used)
- 1 English cucumber (small diced)
- ½ medium red onion (small diced)
- ¼ cup capers (drained)
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Cheese
- 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified, or alternatively, place all ingredients in a small jar and shake well to blend. Set the dressing aside.
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep it covered, allowing the quinoa to steam for an additional 5 minutes. Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet to cool for approximately 15 minutes before assembling the salad.
- Prepare the salad: Once the quinoa has cooled completely, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, drained capers, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad; adjust the amount to taste, though using all is recommended for full flavor.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad immediately for a fresh and lively dish, or chill it in the refrigerator for some time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Either way, enjoy this nutritious, colorful salad as a standalone meal or a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa thoroughly before cooking removes the natural bitter coating called saponin.
- Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and ensure a fresh salad texture.
- The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Feel free to substitute or add other Mediterranean ingredients such as kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or fresh mint.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing according to taste; feta cheese adds some saltiness as well.
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/mediterranean-quinoa-salad-recipe/
