Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and wholesome lunch packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Light yet filling, this salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick and healthy lunch at home. With bright flavors from cucumber, tomato, olives, and parsley, it’s a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side with grilled chicken or fish. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegetarian or vegan, this salad is both versatile and nourishing.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 small red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Method
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 1 hour for the flavors to blend.
Notes
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Make it vegan by omitting feta or replacing it with dairy-free cheese.
Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Make it vegan by omitting feta or replacing it with dairy-free cheese.
Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
