Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

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Love Grecian food? Try this cool Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. It mixes crunchy peppers, fresh cucumbers, and quinoa. Quinoa is good because it’s tasty and healthy. It’s full of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

It has a tangy taste from lemon and oregano. Feta cheese and olives make it perfect. You can add your favorite things, like tomatoes or grilled chicken.

This salad stays fresh for days, so it’s great to make ahead. It’s good for lunches or parties. It’s a special recipe shared by Katherine Irwin.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Creating a delightful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad requires a medley of fresh and flavorful quinoa salad ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 1 cup of quinoa
2. Zest and juice of one lemon
3. Oregano
4. Kosher salt
5. Black pepper
6. Extra virgin olive oil
7. Scallions
8. Colorful bell peppers
9. Kalamata olives
10. English cucumber
11. Feta cheese

While these are the essential quinoa salad ingredients, you can spice up your salad with some healthy salad substitutes. If you’re seeking gluten-free salad options, consider incorporating chickpeas or switching quinoa with lentils or bulgur wheat. Basil can be an excellent swap for oregano, adding a fresh twist to your salad.

If you like vegan-friendly food, leave out the feta cheese or use chevre for a different taste. Remember to wash quinoa well to get rid of saponins that can make it bitter.

For a classic Mediterranean touch, the choice of high-quality olive oil cannot be overstated. It’s a cornerstone of this cuisine, celebrated for its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, enhancing both the flavor and health benefits of your salad.

Adaptable and forgiving, this recipe allows for endless variations, making it one of the most versatile gluten-free salad options you can prepare.

Instructions

The quinoa salad preparation starts by rinsing the quinoa. Use a fine mesh sieve and cold water. Rinse it until the water runs clear. This removes any bitterness. Cook the rinsed quinoa following the package instructions. Let it cool to room temperature after cooking.

While the quinoa is cooking, make a tasty vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

• Lemon juice and zest
• Oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Olive oil

Make sure the vinaigrette is well mixed before using. It adds a Mediterranean taste to your quinoa salad.

After cooling, put the quinoa in a mixing bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over it and mix well. Let it sit a bit to soak up the flavor.

Now, add the chopped veggies:

• Scallions
• Bell peppers
• Cucumbers
• Olives

Sprinkle feta cheese over it for creaminess and saltiness. Mix gently to keep the veggies intact.

This salad is easy and versatile. You can change the herbs, cheese, or add more foods like grilled chicken. Make it how you like it. This Mediterranean salad how-to lets you choose what goes in, fitting your tastes and what’s in your kitchen.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Tips, Tricks & Storing

To keep your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad fresh and tasty, use some quinoa salad tricks. You can cook quinoa ahead and it stays good in the fridge for days. Also, a mix of lemon, olive oil, and oregano dressing adds flavor and preserves the veggies.

If you plan to eat this dish later, add cheese just before eating. This keeps it fresh. If you want a vegan option, just don’t add the cheese. The salad with hard veggies stays crunchy even after a day or two. It makes a great ready-to-eat or packed meal, staying yummy at room temperature.

To keep your salad fresh longer, keep it in an airtight box. This keeps it tasty and ready when you are. These salad storage tips will help you enjoy your meal for days, keeping it fresh and full of flavor.