Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean salad featuring fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs, enhanced with a tangy lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Quinoa
- 1/2 cup English Cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata Olives (pitted and halved)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Mint (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package instructions (usually a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa). Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add herbs: Stir in the fresh parsley and mint. Ensure herbs are freshly chopped for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated.
- Chill (optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Suitability: vegetarian,dairy-free,gluten-free
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Serving Size: 1
Meal Type: lunch