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To make a tasty Mediterranean quinoa salad, you need these main ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients add flavor and texture. Quinoa serves as a great base. It is light and fluffy. Tomatoes and cucumbers add freshness. Olives and feta give a salty kick. You can personalize your salad with these optional add-ins: - Bell peppers, diced - Avocado, diced - Artichoke hearts, chopped - Chickpeas, rinsed and drained Feel free to mix and match. Adding these options brings new flavors. They also make the salad heartier. The dressing pulls everything together. You will need: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet flavorful. Olive oil adds richness, while lemon juice brightens the dish. Oregano gives a touch of Mediterranean flair. For the full recipe, follow the steps mentioned earlier. First, rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter taste. Next, grab a medium saucepan and add the rinsed quinoa and two cups of vegetable broth (or water). Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid and become fluffy. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. While the quinoa cools, it’s time to prepare the veggies. In a large bowl, combine one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one diced cucumber, and half a finely chopped red onion. Add in half a cup of sliced Kalamata olives and half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. Mix these ingredients together gently. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together until well mixed. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together a quarter cup of olive oil, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds a burst of flavor. Once mixed, pour it over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Finally, fold in a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. This step adds color and freshness to your salad. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. This Mediterranean quinoa salad is tasty and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! To cook quinoa just right, rinse it well first. This removes the bitter taste. Use two cups of liquid for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. When it's fluffy, set it aside to cool. Fluff it with a fork to keep it light. To make your salad pop, add fresh herbs like basil or mint. A pinch of garlic powder can boost the taste too. You can also toss in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These add sweet and smoky notes. If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve your salad in a big bowl for family style or in small bowls for guests. Top with extra parsley or a lemon slice for color. You can also use clear glasses for a fun look. Layer the salad in the glasses for a beautiful display. This makes it fun and fancy for any meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. To keep it vegetarian, simply use feta cheese. For a vegan twist, swap the feta for avocado or a vegan cheese. Both options add creaminess and flavor. You still get all the great taste and nutrition. Want more protein? Add chickpeas or black beans to your salad. A half-cup works well. Grilled chicken or shrimp also makes a tasty addition for meat lovers. These proteins boost the dish and make it a full meal. Seasonal swaps can keep your salad fresh and exciting. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In summer, try bell peppers or zucchini. Fall brings roasted sweet potatoes, while winter can feature hearty kale. Adjusting ingredients lets you enjoy new flavors all year round. Check out the Full Recipe to explore more ideas! To store your Mediterranean quinoa salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier. If you want to keep the salad crisp, store the dressing separately. Add it just before serving. Freezing this salad is not the best idea. The texture of the vegetables may change. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you have leftovers, reheating is easy. Just warm it in a pan over low heat. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean quinoa salad again! For the full recipe, you can refer back to the main section. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to two days in advance. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better as they sit. Just remember to add fresh parsley right before serving. If you want to swap quinoa, try using couscous or brown rice. Both work well and taste great. You can also use farro or bulgur for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the grain you choose. Yes, this salad is gluten-free if you use quinoa. Quinoa is a seed, not a grain. Make sure to verify that any substitute grains are also gluten-free. Always check labels if you have strict dietary needs. This salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container to stay fresh. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Mediterranean quinoa salad is colorful and healthy. We covered the main ingredients, how to prepare the salad, and tips for cooking quinoa. I shared easy ways to enhance flavors and make variations. This salad is great for meal prep and can last in the fridge for days. In conclusion, this salad offers endless possibilities. Enjoy its fresh taste and nutrition. It’s perfect for any meal.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Elevate your salad game with this delicious Mediterranean quinoa salad! Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, this healthy dish is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this vibrant recipe in just 35 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a light lunch, it’s a tasty way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of freshness to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

    Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, fluffing it with a fork.

      While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.

          Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well combined.

            Finally, fold in the chopped parsley for freshness.

              Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the quinoa salad in a large salad bowl or in individual portions garnished with extra parsley and a slice of lemon on the side for added color and freshness.