fbpx

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

by | Aug 20, 2021 | Recipes

quinoa salad

 Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 

I follow a Mediterranean lifestyle, which focuses on enjoying food and drink with loved ones, along with being physically active, and always keeping moderation in mind.  I enjoy making this quinoa salad as it makes a large portion, so I can have it for lunch and dinner.  It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein from chickpeas, quinoa, and veggies.  To boost the salad even more, feel free to add chicken or salmon.

Serves 2 

 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water 
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced 
  • 1/2 – 3/4 lemon, squeezed 
  • 1/4 cup about 10 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
  • 2 cups cucumber, peeled and diced (from 1 English) 
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta 
  • salt and fresh pepper, to taste 

 

 Instructions:  

  1. Rinse quinoa for about 2 minutes, using your hands to make sure all the saponins are removed. 
  2. Fill a medium pot with water, add quinoa and salt to taste, and bring to a boil. When the water boils, reduce heat to low and cover; simmer covered for about 15 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat and keep covered for an additional 5 minutes without lifting the lid; then fluff with a fork and set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool. 
  4. While the quinoa cools, dice all the vegetables. 
  5. Add the red onion, olives, cucumber, tomatoes to the cooled quinoa, and squeeze 1/2 lemon over it. 
  6. Drizzle the olive oil over the quinoa, then add feta, salt, and pepper to taste and toss well. 
  7. Taste and add salt and adjust as needed, add more lemon juice if needed.