Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Delicious and Nutritious: A1Taste of the Mediterranean in Every Bite!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Delicious and Nutritious: A Taste of the Mediterranean in Every Bite!

Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and refreshing Quinoa Salad. Packed with wholesome ingredients and tossed in a zesty Lemon Herb Dressing, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

♦1 cup quinoa, rinsed

♦2 cups water or vegetable broth

♦1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

♦1 cucumber, diced

♦1/2 red onion, finely chopped

♦1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

♦1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

♦1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

♦1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

♦Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Herb Dressing:

♦1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

♦2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

♦1 clove garlic, minced

♦1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

♦1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

♦1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

♦Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

♦In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

♦In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.

♦In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

♦Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to coat.

♦Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Tips for Success:

♦Make ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just hold off on adding the dressing and feta cheese until ready to serve.

♦Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or grilled chicken for extra protein.

♦Serving suggestions: Serve this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled fish or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dish.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or packing lunch for work, this versatile dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with every delicious bite!

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