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To make a great Mediterranean quinoa salad, you need these key ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, finely diced - 1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and thinly sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but recommended) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste These ingredients create a vibrant and tasty salad. The quinoa adds protein and fiber. Fresh veggies bring crunch and color. Chickpeas add heartiness, while olives and feta offer a salty pop. You can customize your salad with these add-ins: - Avocado, diced - Roasted red peppers, chopped - Spinach or arugula, roughly chopped - Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced - Artichoke hearts, quartered - Nuts or seeds for extra crunch These options let you adjust flavors and textures. They also add more nutrition. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. A good dressing can elevate your salad. Here are my favorites: - A simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice - A garlic vinaigrette for a zesty kick - Tahini dressing for a creamy touch - Balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet twist Each dressing brings its own flavor. You can also try adding herbs or spices to make it your own. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To cook the quinoa, first rinse it well. This removes any bitter taste. Then, in a medium pot, combine one cup of quinoa with two cups of vegetable broth or water. Place the pot over medium-high heat until it boils. Once it boils, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb the liquid and look fluffy. Afterward, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool. While the quinoa cools, you can prepare your vegetables. Take one cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice one cucumber into small pieces. Next, chop one bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Use either red or yellow peppers for color. Finely chop half a red onion for a nice bite. Rinse one cup of canned chickpeas and drain them well. Slice half a cup of Kalamata olives thinly. If you want, crumble half a cup of feta cheese for a creamy touch. Gather all of these in a large mixing bowl. Once your quinoa is cool and your veggies are ready, it’s time to assemble. Gently fold the cooled quinoa into the bowl with your vegetables. Be careful not to mash anything. In a small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss everything gently. To finish, sprinkle in a quarter cup of chopped parsley and mint, folding them in lightly. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can enjoy it right away or chill it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. For the full recipe, check out the complete list above. To cook perfect quinoa, rinse it well before using. This helps remove any bitter taste. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. For this salad, I use vegetable broth or water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork to get a light texture. The quinoa should be soft but have a slight crunch. You can easily make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after resting. Prepare the quinoa and veggies in advance. Keep the dressing separate until serving. This helps keep everything fresh. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for about 3 days. If you want to freeze it, only freeze the quinoa. The veggies do not freeze well. You can change the flavors in this salad to suit your taste. Want more zest? Add more lemon juice. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can also change the flavor. Try basil or dill for a different taste. Taste as you go to find your favorite mix. Each bite should be a burst of flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. Simply skip the feta cheese. The salad will still taste great! You can add some avocado for creaminess. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want to boost the protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These choices blend well with the flavors. You can also use canned tuna for a quick option. Each adds a tasty twist and makes the meal more filling. Change it up with seasonal ingredients. In summer, use fresh corn or zucchini. In fall, add roasted butternut squash or apples. These ingredients will give new flavors while keeping the salad fresh. You can even try different herbs like basil or dill for a unique taste. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Enjoy creating your own delicious versions! To keep your Mediterranean quinoa salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping your salad crisp. If you add dressing, store it separately. This way, your salad won’t get soggy. When stored properly, your Mediterranean quinoa salad can last up to five days in the fridge. If you don’t add dressing, it may last a bit longer. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. Fresh ingredients are key to great flavor. You can freeze quinoa salad, but the texture may change. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your meal even after freezing! Yes, you can make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad ahead of time. This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld together. I recommend making it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving. Yes, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is a seed, not a grain, which makes it a great choice. It’s safe for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. Always check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well. If you want a feta cheese substitute, try using goat cheese or a dairy-free option. Crumbled tofu works well too if you want a vegan choice. You can also leave it out entirely and still enjoy a tasty salad. The other flavors will shine through without it. For the full recipe, check the details above. This blog post covers a tasty and healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. I shared the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and dressing ideas. You learned how to cook quinoa and prepare fresh veggies. I also gave tips for storing and flavor adjustments. In the end, you can enjoy this salad your way. Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins and dressings. With a few simple steps, you create a dish full of flavor and nutrition. Enjoy making your Mediterranean salad!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor with this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! Packed with fresh veggies, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty dressing, this vibrant dish is perfect for any meal. Discover how to make it in just 45 minutes and impress your family or guests. Click through for the full recipe and tips on presentation that will make your salad the star of the table! Don't miss out on this healthy, delicious option!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, finely diced

1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow), diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and thinly sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but recommended)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth (or water). Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa appears fluffy.

      After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, rinsed chickpeas, sliced olives, and crumbled feta (if you’re choosing to use it).

          Gently fold in the cooled quinoa, ensuring all the ingredients are mixed evenly without mashing the vegetables.

            In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground pepper to create a zesty dressing.

              Drizzle your prepared dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

                Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mint, folding them in lightly to infuse their fresh flavors throughout the salad.

                  Taste your delicious creation and adjust the seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve the desired flavor balance.

                    The salad can be served immediately, or for a more harmonious blend of flavors, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl and top with additional parsley and feta for an eye-catching finish. For a fun and portable individual serving, layer the salad in mason jars!