Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious salad that transports your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean coast? Look no further than the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. This vibrant and refreshing dish combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables and Mediterranean flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- – 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- – 2 cups water
- – 1 cucumber, diced
- – 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- – 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- – 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- – 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- – Juice of 1 lemon
- – 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
- Cook the Quinoa:
- – In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water.
- – Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- – Remove from heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- – In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Dress the Salad:
- – Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Season:
- – Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- – Refrigerate the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste.
- Enjoy:
- – Serve the salad as a refreshing side dish or a light and satisfying meal. Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese if desired.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean region. It’s a perfect option for a healthy and vibrant meal.