Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (Fresh & Simple)
This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish packed with fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for quick meals, meal prep, or as a refreshing side.
Equipment
- saucepan for cooking quinoa
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, about 15 minutes, until fluffy. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until combined.
- Place warm quinoa in a large bowl. Pour dressing over it and toss gently. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Add diced cucumber, chopped bell peppers, scallions, and olives. Mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently toss. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove bitterness. Let it cool slightly before adding vegetables to keep them crisp. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Add dressing gradually and adjust to taste. You can make it vegan by replacing feta with plant-based cheese or chickpeas.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.5mg
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