15 Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipes To Kickstart Your Year

Kickstart your year with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients by exploring these 15 fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad recipes, perfect for a nourishing and delicious start.

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve.
2. Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the package.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, combine the lemon juice and zest, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large serving bowl.



4. Whisk the olive oil into the lemon mixture to create a dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.



5. Once the quinoa is cooked and tender, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well to coat and let the quinoa absorb the flavors. Allow it to cool completely.
6. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables by chopping the scallions, bell peppers, and cucumber. Slice the olives into smaller pieces.
7. Add the chopped vegetables and olives to the bowl with the cooled quinoa. Stir to combine.



8. Finish the salad by adding crumbled feta cheese and mixing everything together.
9. Optionally, garnish with fresh oregano leaves before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 scallions (white and green parts)
• 2 bell peppers (choose from red, yellow, or orange)
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained
• 1 English cucumber
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Nutritional Values

Calories: 185.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.2g | Protein: 5.7g | Fat: 10.6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 437.4mg | Potassium: 257.8mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 2.4g | Vitamin A: 1066.8IU | Vitamin C: 40.3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.4mg

FAQ

• Can I make this quinoa salad recipe vegan?
• Absolutely! To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. You can also add extra vegetables or chickpeas for added flavor and protein.
• What can I use instead of quinoa if I’m out?
• If you’re out of quinoa, you can substitute it with pearled barley, bulgur, or green lentils. These alternatives will still provide a delicious and satisfying base for the salad.
• How can I reduce the bitterness sometimes found in quinoa?
• Quinoa can have a bitter taste due to saponins that coat the seeds. To remove them, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water using a fine mesh sieve before cooking.
• Can I add more protein to this salad?
• Yes, you can boost the protein content by adding drained and rinsed chickpeas or shredded grilled chicken breast. Both options will complement the flavors of the salad well.
• What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
• Feel free to enhance the salad by adding sliced grape tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, or radishes. These additions will increase the variety of flavors and textures.
• How long will the quinoa salad last in the fridge?
• This Mediterranean quinoa salad can last up to a week in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or packing lunches.

Tips

• Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Before cooking quinoa, it’s essential to rinse it well under running water to remove the naturally occurring saponins, which can impart a bitter taste.
• Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to adapt the salad to your taste or what you have available. Consider adding chickpeas for extra protein or swapping feta with chevre for a different flavor profile.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for added flavor and vibrancy to the salad.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This quinoa salad is ideal for meal prep as it holds well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a convenient option for lunches or entertaining guests.

Clare