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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean quinoa salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup (50g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. Cook the quinoa by adding rinsed quinoa and 2 cups (475ml) water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely (about 20 minutes).
  4. While quinoa cools, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion (if using), slice Kalamata olives, and chop parsley and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Add crumbled feta cheese on top and gently stir to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
  8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa thoroughly is essential to remove bitterness and achieve fluffy grains. Add feta cheese last to keep texture intact. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Dressing can be prepared ahead and chilled. For vegan option, substitute feta with tofu feta or omit cheese and add toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese, healthy salad, summer recipe, easy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-salad-with-feta-easy-healthy-recipe-for-summer/