Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Description:
The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Combining quinoa, a high-protein grain, with classic Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. Dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, this salad offers a light yet filling meal. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main course, ideal for warm weather or meal prep, and is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. The dish balances tangy, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a go-to for those seeking a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or oregano, optional)
How to Cook:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions, using water or vegetable broth for extra flavor.
- Once quinoa is cooked and cooled, combine it with the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and onion in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture, toss gently, and top with crumbled feta and fresh herbs.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
History:
Quinoa, native to the Andes in South America, has become a global superfood, prized for its protein content and versatility. The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad blends the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region with quinoa’s modern appeal. While quinoa isn’t traditional to the Mediterranean, its incorporation into local recipes reflects the global fusion of ingredients. This salad is a great example of how global influences can come together to create something delicious, healthy, and colorful.
