Sunshine Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine? Honestly, who doesn't? This mediterranean quinoa salad is like a holiday in a bowl. It's packed with fresh, zingy flavours.

Brief Overview

This salad shouts "Greece!" and "Italy!". It is super easy to make, even for kitchen novices. It takes about 35 minutes and makes about 4-6 servings.

Okay, right then! Let's have a look at getting this sorted, shall we?

Main Benefits

Want to feel good? This mediterranean quinoa salad is full of protein. Serve it at a BBQ or a light lunch.

What makes it special? Every mouthful bursts with flavour. It's also super healthy. Easy quinoa salad recipe is exactly what you want!

Right, then, let's dive in, shall we? This quinoa salad recipe is my go-to when I want something healthy. This vegetarian quinoa salad is perfect!

What you'll need for sunshine in a bowl

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to make this mediterranean quinoa salad sing!

• Quinoa: 1 cup (200g) quinoa, rinsed well,
• Water or broth: 2 cups (475ml) water or vegetable broth,
• Salt: A pinch

And don't forget those lovely veg!

• Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved.
• Cucumber: 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced.
• Red Onion: 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced.
• Green Pepper: 1 green bell pepper, diced.
• Olives: 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
• Feta: 1/2 cup (50g) crumbled feta cheese.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup (packed) fresh parsley, chopped.
• Mint: 1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint, chopped.
• Lemon Vinaigrette Salad and Greek Quinoa Salad .

Dressing up the salad

Now for the vinaigrette, This lemon vinaigrette salad dresses up our salad perfectly!

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil.
• Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
• Garlic: 1 clove garlic, minced.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• Basil: 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.

Honestly, this dressing makes all the difference. You will impress your mates! This healthy quinoa salad really is something special.

Given the mediterranean quinoa salad recipe and description, here's a list of designed to help it rank like a charm in search engines.

We're aiming for that "Great British Bake Off" level of perfection here!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Okay, right then! Let's have a look at getting this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad sorted, shall we? This is so easy.

It’s bursting with sunshine flavors. Honestly, it’s like a holiday in a bowl. You'll feel amazing after eating it.

Main Ingredients

Quinoa Time . You’ll need 1 cup (200g) of quinoa. Rinsing is key. It stops it from being bitter. Trust me on this! And 2 cups (475ml) of water or veg broth for cooking it.

Plus, a pinch of salt. Always! Look for quinoa that's even in color and size.

Veggie Goodness . This is where the Mediterranean quinoa salad really shines. Get 1 cup (150g) of halved cherry tomatoes. Sweetness overload.

And 1 diced cucumber . Peel it first if you like. Half a thinly sliced red onion too. Also get 1 diced green bell pepper .

Half a cup (75g) of Kalamata olives, pitted. And half a cup (50g) of crumbled feta. Oh my gosh, it's getting good! Fresh parsley and mint, each 1/4 cup (packed) , chopped.

I love fresh herbs. Do you?

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette . The magic happens here. You’ll need 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. The good stuff! Plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.

1 minced garlic clove . 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I like a generous pinch of pepper. What about you?

Seasoning Notes

The combo of oregano and basil is ESSENTIAL. You know? It screams "Mediterranean diet recipes". The lemon juice gives it that zing.

If you’re missing oregano, use Italian seasoning. It’s a decent sub. A touch of red pepper flakes can also give it a kick.

Just saying.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, nothing fancy is needed. You’ll need a medium saucepan with a lid. And a large mixing bowl. Plus a whisk, cutting board, and chef's knife. Standard stuff, really.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do the trick. No need to panic! And if you are missing a lid for the pan, use a plate that covers the top.

Okay, right then! Let's have a look at getting this sorted, shall we? We're diving headfirst into making a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad , and I'm going to share my totally fool proof method.

Trust me, even I can't mess this one up! Honestly, this salad is perfect for those days when you want something healthy, but don't fancy hours slaving over a hot stove.

It's quick, it's easy, and it tastes like a vacation in a bowl.

Cooking Like a Pro: Mastering the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad !

We are going to make the best ever Mediterranean Quinoa Salad .

Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, GO!

First things first, we need to get our "mise en place" sorted. Sounds fancy, doesn't it? It just means having everything prepped and ready to go.

Chop your tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, and get those olives and feta prepped. Essential! Okay, right then! Let's have a look at getting this sorted, shall we? Time saving tip: do all your chopping while the quinoa is cooking.

Two birds, one stone.

step-by-step to Quinoa Perfection

1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa well. Combine it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Prep the Veggies: Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/2 red onion, and 1 green bell pepper. Half a cup of Kalamata olives need to be pitted and halved as well.
3. Whip up the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, chopped veggies, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup of chopped mint.
5. Dress It Up: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. If you want a Greek quinoa salad this is how to do it!
6. Chill : Chill for 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for a "Great British Bake Off" Level Salad

Want to take your quinoa salad recipe to the next level? Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This is critical because it allows the flavors to meld together properly. Avoid overcooking the quinoa mushy quinoa is a no-go! Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different veggies! Roasted red peppers add a lovely sweetness, and sun-dried tomatoes give it a real Mediterranean kick.

This healthy quinoa salad is a fantastic summer salad recipe you will do over and over again.

Honestly, once you nail this easy quinoa salad recipe , you'll be making it all the time. It's perfect as a lunch salad idea , a side dish, or even a light dinner.

Plus, it's packed with goodness from the Mediterranean diet recipes . Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Nailing that Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Okay, right then! Let's have a look at getting this sorted, shall we? We're talking about this Sunshine Mediterranean Quinoa Salad .

Honestly, it's more than just a meal; it's a taste of sunshine in a bowl. Here are a few extra notes for you to make it truly shine even Mary Berry would be proud!

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters! Don't just chuck it all in a bowl. Think about layers. Maybe arrange the salad on a platter and sprinkle some extra feta on top? Garnish with a few fresh mint sprigs.

It's like a mini Mediterranean masterpiece. And speaking of sides? A hunk of crusty bread, perhaps? Or even some grilled chicken or fish if you fancy something more substantial.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad really is super versatile.

Storage Sorted!

This salad keeps like a dream. Pop it in an airtight container and it's good in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Just be aware the dressing might dull the vibrancy of the vegetables slightly. I wouldn't recommend freezing it though, the veggies will go a bit soggy.

Twists and Tweaks

Fancy a bit of a change? If you're vegan, skip the feta. The base of a great quinoa salad recipe is very forgiving.

You could also add some roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch. Want to bring that salad into the winter months? Why not substitute the fresh tomatoes for roasted butternut squash? This easy quinoa salad recipe is an absolute winner all year round.

Nutrition Nuggets

This healthy quinoa salad is packed with goodness. Did you know quinoa is a complete protein? That's all nine essential amino acids! Plus, all those colourful veggies mean loads of vitamins and antioxidants.

We're talking about a serious health boost.

Honestly, this Sunshine Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is so easy and delicious. The flavors of Greece, like in a Greek quinoa salad , or that lemon vinaigrette salad just transport me! You will quickly find out why this is one of the greatest summer salad recipes ! Give it a go and let me know what you think.

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this mediterranean quinoa salad ahead of time, like the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's like letting a good cuppa tea steep for the perfect amount of time - the longer it sits, the richer the flavour.

What's the best way to store leftover Mediterranean quinoa salad?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good toss before serving, as the dressing may settle. Consider this your delicious, healthy lunch sorted for the next few days - a right result, wouldn't you say?

I don't have feta cheese. What can I substitute in this mediterranean quinoa salad recipe?

No feta, no worries! You can easily substitute goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, if you want a vegan version, you can either omit the cheese altogether or use a vegan feta alternative, which are becoming quite common in supermarkets these days.

Each will bring its own unique quality to the final outcome.

My quinoa always turns out mushy. Any tips for cooking it properly for this mediterranean quinoa salad?

Mushy quinoa is a common kitchen woe, but easily avoided! Make sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove the saponin, which can contribute to a bitter taste and mushy texture.

Also, use the correct water-to-quinoa ratio (1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid) and simmer it gently, covered, until all the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.

I'm allergic to mint. Is there a good substitute I can use in the dressing or salad?

Absolutely! If you're allergic to mint, simply omit it and use all parsley. Alternatively, fresh dill provides a similar herbaceous flavor that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients beautifully. It's all about adapting the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs, innit?