Healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

A healthy Mediterranean quinoa salad is a refreshing and nutritious meal that you can enjoy for lunch or as part of your dinner menu. This dish is packed with flavors from the Mediterranean region, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add more vegetables and grains into their diet.

The key ingredient in this recipe is quinoa – a versatile grain rich in protein and fiber. It serves as the base of our salad while providing a hearty texture that complements other ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves. Olive oil adds richness to the dish without overpowering it; lemon juice brightens everything up perfectly.

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of one lemon (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 2-3 green onions or red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced into quarters
• 50g feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the quinoa. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with two cups of fresh water. Bring this mixture to boil over high heat before reducing heat and letting it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Once cooked, allow the quinoa to cool completely. While waiting, prepare your other ingredients by washing them properly so they are ready when needed later on during preparation.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, black olives and finely chopped parsley. Toss gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the salad mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil overtop of your ingredients and then add some lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor. Season lightly with salt & pepper according to taste preferences. Finally, if desired, crumble in 50g of feta cheese on top before serving cold straightaway or letting it chill in fridge overnight.
5. Enjoy this light yet filling Mediterranean inspired quinoa salad at any time throughout the day! You can pair it with crusty bread for a more substantial meal or simply have it alone as a standalone dish.

Health benefits aside, one might wonder what makes this particular recipe stand out among others available in the world of Mediterranean cuisine. First and foremost, quinoa itself is highly nutritious; being gluten-free ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious creation no matter dietary restrictions they may have. Additionally, each component contributes towards maintaining a balanced diet by introducing various essential vitamins and minerals into your system. For example, cucumbers help hydrate while providing vitamin K and fiber.

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p>To conclude, incorporating this healthy Mediterranean quinoa salad into one’s weekly meal plans can provide not just culinary satisfaction but also long-term health benefits through proper nutrition intake. Whether you're looking for an easy weekday lunch option or want to impress guests during a casual dinner party, this versatile dish offers something special that everyone will appreciate. Try making it today and experience firsthand the joy of creating such delightful flavors right in your kitchen!