Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
1455 kcal
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Description
This recipe prepares quinoa by rinsing thoroughly to remove bitterness, then simmering it covered until tender. After resting, the quinoa is fluffed and cooled to room temperature. The salad assembles by mixing in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onion, which provide a variety of crisp and briny flavors. Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, creamy contrast.
Lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil are tossed into the salad for tang and richness, while salt and black pepper adjust seasoning. The salad balances the nutty taste of quinoa with fresh, savory, and acidic notes, making it refreshing and versatile. It can be served chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled foods or as a vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/2 fresh lemon (squeezed, or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced, about 10
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cucumber (peeled and diced (from 1 English))
- 1 cup cherry tomato quartered
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa for about 2 minutes, using your hands to make sure all the saponins are removed.
- Fill a medium pot with water, add quinoa and salt to taste and bring to a boil. When the water boils, reduce heat to low and cover; simmer covered 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and keep covered an additional 5 minutes without lifting the lid; then fluff with a fork and set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool.
- While the quinoa cools, dice all the vegetables.
- Add the red onion, olives, cucumber, tomatoes to the cooled quinoa, and squeeze 1/2 lemon over it.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the quinoa, then add feta, salt and pepper to taste and toss well.
- Taste for salt and adjust as needed, add more lemon juice if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1455 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1generous cup | |
| Calories | 145.5kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 15.5g | 5% |
| Protein | 4.5g | 9% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 7.5mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 137mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2.5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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