Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This recipe for Mediterranean quinoa salad is filling, healthful, and bursting with flavor! You can eat it as a dinner by itself or as a side dish.

I decided that now would be the ideal moment to share this recipe for Mediterranean quinoa salad because Labor Day is quickly approaching. A tasty addition to any menu this weekend would be this quinoa salad, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or picnic. It’s so tasty and substantial that it could easily be served as the main course as well. You’re in luck if you have leftovers as well! This recipe for quinoa salad is excellent for meal prep because it keeps well if prepared in advance. healthy lunches throughout the week.

I’ve posted many quinoa salad recipes on the site over the years, but this one has really captured my attention. It’s full of fresh flavor thanks to a variety of late summer veggies and herbs, and it’s brightened up with a simple Italian dressing. I hope you too adore it!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed to make this recipe for Mediterranean quinoa salad:

• Quinoa, naturally! 3 cups cooked quinoa from 1 cup dry. You can find my favorite way to cook quinoa here.
• Roasted cherry tomatoes give this salad a deliciously chewy texture and a deep, savory flavor. Make careful to prepare ahead of time because you’ll need to roast them for a few hours over low heat, or until they shrivel around the edges.
• Cucumbers from Persia: crunchy!
• Red onion: To add a pronounced taste depth.
• I really enjoy the tangy flavor and creamy texture of feta cheese in this quinoa salad recipe, but if you’re vegan, feel free to omit it.
• I’ve become a convert to kalamata olives! I used to stay away from olives for years, but their savory, briny taste elevates this salad to a whole new level.
• Roasted chickpeas and pine nuts provide crunch, protein, and a nutty flavor.
• This salad is bright and fresh because of the arugula and mixed herbs! Here, I like to use a mix of leafy herbs, such basil, parsley, mint, oregano, and/or thyme.
• Italian dressing: It brings the entire salad together with its vibrant, zesty flavor and flecks of additional herbs.

Quinoa Salad Variations

Although this nutritious quinoa salad recipe tastes great just the way it is, feel free to alter it! Enjoy personalizing it using ingredients or cravings that you have on hand. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

• Turn it vegetarian. Leave out the cheese! To enhance the savory taste of the salad, add a few more olives or roasted tomatoes. Serve the salad with sliced avocado, a generous portion of hummus, or dollops of vegan pesto.
• Change the grain. Use Israeli couscous or farro in place of quinoa. It will taste amazing even though it won’t be a quinoa salad anymore.
• Change the outfit. Greek salad dressing or lemon vinaigrette can be used in place of the Italian dressing.
• Stir the vegetables. Forego the greens completely and replace the arugula with chopped spinach or massaged kale. Alternatively, mix in 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers or a cup of roasted broccoli.
• Try a different cheese. Not a fan of feta? Here would also be a fantastic use for crumbled goat cheese.
• Prepare the quinoa in advance. When you combine the ingredients for this salad, the quinoa should be chilled or at room temperature. The fresh herbs and arugula will wilt if

Best Quinoa Salad Recipe Tips

• the temperature is too high. Cook it up to two days in advance, or at least an hour before you’re ready to assemble the salad. Roast the tomatoes as well while you’re at it! They must bake for 2.5 to 3 hours in order to become extremely chewy and tart.
• Put it in your lunchbox. Make this Mediterranean quinoa salad ahead of time for a delicious lunch! Make a large quantity for the week’s lunches as it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store some of the fresh herbs separately and sprinkle them on just before serving for maximum taste. After this salad has been chilled for a few days, I also suggest adding additional lemon juice, salt, and/or pepper to taste. For more of my greatest meal prep advice, see this post. For additional ideas for healthy lunches, check out this one.
• Or savor it for supper. Serve this recipe for quinoa salad as an accompaniment to traditional cookout fare such as BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, portobello mushroom burgers, black bean burgers, or veggie burgers. It’s also a delicious main dish for vegetarians. Sautéed yellow squash, grilled eggplant, grilled zucchini, or veggie skewers are great ways to finish the meal.

Additional Best Hearty Salads

Try one of these filling salads after this simple, healthful quinoa salad recipe:

• Mediterranean Salad with Chickpeas
• Simple Pasta Salad
• Top Broccoli Salad
• Niçoise Salad
• Salad with Curried Lentils
• Romaine Tomato and Couscous Salad
• Raw Kale Salad with Ginger-Carrot Dressing
• or any of the following 37 Recipes for Salad!

Key takeaways for “Mediterranean Quinoa Salad” include:

1. Healthy and Nutritious: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for a satisfying meal.
2. Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: This salad showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region, with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, and tangy Kalamata olives.
3. Balanced and Refreshing: The combination of fluffy quinoa, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing and well-balanced salad.
4. Versatile Dish: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

hope this article was helpful and for more check out our previous blogpost by clicking here