Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Sunshine in a Bowl

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving sunshine, even when the British weather is, well, being British? Honestly, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is like a holiday for your taste buds! This quinoa salad recipe is vibrant, flavourful, and totally achievable, even if your cooking skills are more "bake off disaster" than "MasterChef winner".

Mediterranean Magic: Why This Salad Rocks

Think sun-drenched shores. This salad takes its cues from Greece and Italy. Expect fresh veggies, salty cheese, and zesty flavours.

This dish is so easy to throw together, it's ideal for a quick lunch or posh picnic, it brings a touch of the Med right to your kitchen.

This recipe salad is more than just delicious, it's also good for you. Quinoa is packed with protein, so you can feel virtuous while you're scoffing down something tasty.

Plus, it’s amazing for summer BBQs. What makes this healthy salad recipe special is how adaptable it is, you know?

A Taste of the Med: Your Easy Quinoa Adventure

This Mediterranean quinoa salad is so simple, you'll be making it on repeat. Prep time is around 20 minutes, and the quinoa cooks in another 20 minutes.

So, in under 40 minutes , you've got a gorgeous salad that serves four hungry people.

The best part? It uses everyday ingredients. Think quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and a zingy lemon herb dressing . It is a perfect vegetarian salad recipe .

Grab a bowl and get ready to experience sunshine in every bite! The lemon herb dressing really brings the flavors together.

It's so good!

Key Ingredients

Ready to dive in? Here's what you'll need: quinoa, water or broth, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

You might even have some of these already!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Recipe Salad

Hey everyone! Let's talk about what you'll need to nail this sunshine in a bowl Mediterranean Quinoa Salad . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward.

We are making a Quinoa salad recipe . I swear, even your gran could whip this up.

Main Ingredients for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Here’s what you need. I've got you covered with both US and metric.

• Quinoa: 1 cup ( 175g ). Make sure you rinse it really well. No one likes bitter quinoa, right?
• Water/Broth: 2 cups ( 475ml ). Veggie broth adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup ( 150g ), halved. The sweeter, the better!
• Cucumber: 1, diced. English cucumbers are the bomb, less seeds.
• Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup ( 75g ), pitted and halved. Adds that salty, Mediterranean zing.
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup ( 75g ), thinly sliced. Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to tame that bite.
• Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 75g ), crumbled. Go for the good stuff, it makes a difference! You are making a Feta salad recipe .
• Fresh Parsley & Mint: 1/4 cup ( 5g ) each, chopped. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ).
• Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ). Freshly squeezed is the only way to go.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes for a Zesty Recipe Salad

The lemon herb dressing is the star. It's all about balance. Don't be shy with the oregano! It's the secret weapon.

If you don’t have oregano, try thyme or marjoram. The lemon herb dressing is just great!.

Want to kick it up a notch? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth. Also, make sure your salt and pepper are fresh.

Honestly? It will make a difference. I love this vegetarian salad recipe .

Equipment You'll Need

Okay, nothing fancy here.

• Medium saucepan: For cooking the quinoa.
• Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
• Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works in a pinch.
• Cutting board & knife: Obviously.

That’s it! See? No need for a KitchenAid or anything crazy. We are making Easy quinoa salad after all!. This also makes a great Summer salad recipe .

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Quinoa Salad Time!

Hey folks! Ever feel like your kitchen skills are stuck in neutral? Honestly, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is a total game changer.

It's so easy, even I can't mess it up. And trust me, that's saying something. It's also perfect for summer!

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place is your friend. Chop your veggies first. I like to get the red onion soaking in some cold water; it takes the bite out.

Plus, make sure you rinse that quinoa really well. Nobody wants a bitter Mediterranean quinoa salad .

step-by-step to Sunshine in a Bowl

Here's how you whip up this flavour bomb:

1. Cook 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water. Simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. Dice 1 cucumber , halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup olives, thinly slice 1/2 cup red onion.
3. Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. This is the bomb lemon herb dressing !
4. Combine quinoa, veggies, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup mint and 1/2 cup feta in a big bowl.
5. Pour dressing over the salad, and toss gently. Dig in!

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take your quinoa salad recipe to the next level?

First, don't overcook the quinoa. Mushy quinoa is a major no-no! Aim for fluffy perfection. Another tip, taste as you go.

Adjust the dressing to your liking. More lemon? Go for it! And if you wanna make this a vegetarian salad recipe , skip the feta or use a vegan version.

Also, you can totally prep this ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.

No one likes a soggy salad. Honestly, this easy quinoa salad is the perfect way to brighten up your day!

Recipe Notes: Making This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Your Own

This recipe salad isn't just a recipe; it's a starting point. Honestly, I see cooking as jazz. You’ve got the basic melody, but you can riff on it.

So, let's talk about how to make this Mediterranean quinoa salad sing your song.

Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Pairings

Presentation matters. You know? Don't just dump it in a bowl. A pretty dish elevates the experience. I like to arrange the salad on a platter, with the feta artfully crumbled on top.

A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs? Chefs kiss! This dish pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken or fish. A chilled glass of rosé would also be amazing.

Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh

This quinoa salad recipe is great for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The flavours actually meld and deepen overnight, like a good stew. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it though. Freezing quinoa can make it a bit mushy when defrosted, not ideal.

When reheating, maybe add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it back up.

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme

Want to switch things up? Absolutely! For a vegan recipe salad , simply leave out the feta. A vegetarian salad recipe alternative is to substitute with some marinated tofu or vegan feta.

In the summer, swap the regular tomatoes for some sun-dried ones for extra zing. Or, throw in some grilled courgette (zucchini).

Seasonal swaps keep things interesting, I think.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl

This easy quinoa salad is packed with goodness. Quinoa is a complete protein, and you're getting plenty of vitamins from all those veggies.

It's a win-win. With this Mediterranean diet salad the lemon herb dressing contains healthy fats. Keep in mind that nutritional info is an estimate.

And this feta salad recipe will give you energy for hours.

So there you have it. This Greek salad quinoa can be your next favourite! This summer salad recipe is so delicious.

Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust this healthy salad recipe to your tastes. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the deliciousness.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Mediterranean Quinoa recipe salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this recipe salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just toss it with the dressing shortly before serving to prevent the quinoa from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy. It will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I'm not a fan of feta. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe salad?

Certainly! Feta provides that salty, tangy kick, but you can easily substitute it. Goat cheese offers a similar tang, while halloumi (grilled or pan-fried) adds a lovely chewy texture. Even a creamy mozzarella would work nicely for a milder flavor. Go on, be a bit of a kitchen rebel!

What's the best way to store leftover Mediterranean Quinoa Salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. As mentioned earlier, the quinoa might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra lemon juice and olive oil before serving to freshen it up.

Avoid freezing the salad, as the vegetables will become mushy.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe salad I can make?

Yes, making this salad vegan is a doddle! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan feta alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy depth to your salad. Always double check your labels to ensure all the ingredients are indeed vegan.

Help! My quinoa turned out mushy. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, soggy quinoa is a total bummer! More than likely, too much water was used, or it was cooked for too long. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, and as soon as the water's absorbed, take the pan off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Think of it like cooking rice patience is a virtue!

Can I add protein to this recipe salad to make it a more complete meal?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fantastic base for adding protein. Grilled chicken or fish are classic pairings. For vegetarian options, chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even some roasted tofu work wonders. A hard boiled egg will also be a great addition.