Bursting Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some salad ideas that are dead easy and packed with flavour? i've got just the thing. this mediterranean quinoa salad is a real winner.

Honestly, the lemon-herb dressing is where it’s at!

Brief Overview

This recipe takes inspo from the sunny med. it's a bowl of sunshine. think greek salad meets quinoa. it's proper easy.

We're talking 40 minutes, tops. this yummy side salads recipe will give you 4 servings of goodness.

Main Benefits

Quinoa is a bit of a superfood, innit? this salad is packed with protein. great for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.

What makes this recipe special is the zingy lemon-herb dressing. it brings everything to life. perfect for any time of year, but especially those salads recipes summer cravings.

Ready to get your salad on? let's dive into these fresh ingredients. think sun-ripened tomatoes. imagine that salty feta. we're talking delicious.

Honestly, you'll feel like you're on holiday. no joke! a great option to replace a cornucopia salad .

This salad is a proper crowd-pleaser. you can even make it ahead. that means less stress later. winning. it makes for one of the easy light salad recipes available.

The next thing we have to know are the ingredients. so let's get right into it.

Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this salad. It’s all pretty straightforward, honestly. We’re going for a Bursting Mediterranean Quinoa Salad , so think sunshine and fresh flavours! This isn't just one of those boring salad ideas , you know?

Bursting Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups (475ml) vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pint (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (packed) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Combine quinoa, vegetable broth (or water), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
• While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, halve the Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Goodies

Okay, for the quinoa, you'll need 1 cup (200g) of quinoa. give it a good rinse first! trust me. then, 2 cups (475ml) of veggie broth or water.

And a pinch of salt, around 1/4 teaspoon , will do the trick.

Now, for the actual salad bit: 1 pint (450g) of cherry tomatoes. half 'em. one cucumber, diced. half a cup (75g) of kalamata olives, pitted and halved.

And, 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced.

Don’t forget the feta! you want around 4 ounces (115g) , crumbled. and a good handful, about 1/4 cup each, of fresh parsley and mint, chopped.

Fresh is best here, you know? makes all the difference.

Ingredient Quality Check

For the tomatoes, look for vibrant colour and firm texture. if they smell sweet, you’re onto a winner! for the feta, a good quality block should be creamy and slightly salty.

Avoid the pre-crumbled stuff if you can, it's usually drier.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the dressing is where the magic happens. you’ll need: 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. go for good stuff here! 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed, please! one clove of garlic, minced.

1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. a teaspoon of dried oregano. 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

That's your essential spice combination right there. Oregano is key for that Mediterranean vibe. Red wine vinegar is the flavor enhancer you’re searching for. And fresh lemon is best.

Quick Swaps

Out of red wine vinegar? White wine vinegar will do in a pinch. No fresh garlic? A tiny pinch of garlic powder will do. Remember, don’t stress. Cooking is about improvising sometimes.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need loads of fancy gear for this. you will need a medium saucepan for the quinoa. plus, a whisk for the dressing, a large bowl for mixing it all, a cutting board, and a decent knife.

Household Hacks

No whisk? A fork works just fine. Don't have a measuring cup? A mug will do, roughly speaking. Just keep it consistent.

Honestly, this is a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet, and it's way more exciting than your average spring mix salad with apples .

This quinoa salad is seriously one of the best apple salad alternatives, and is right up there with hearty dinner salads meals , or yummy yummy side salads to impress.

Forget bland salads recipes summer – this is bursting with flavor!

This recipe leans toward easy light salad recipes and isn't as heavy as a traditional " cornucopia salad ," focusing on vibrant Mediterranean flavors rather than seasonal autumn produce.

So there you have it. All you need to create a healthy and vibrant salad.

Alright, let's dive into this Bursting Mediterranean Quinoa Salad lark! It's easier than making toast, honestly. And way more impressive when you need salad ideas ! I promise.

The Salad Lowdown

This ain't your average rabbit food. we're talking mediterranean magic, right here. this salad is a fantastic option when searching for salads recipes summer .

We're using quinoa because it's posh and good for you. this could become one of your favorite yummy side salads !

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Right, mise en place , fancy French for "get your stuff ready". We're slicing, dicing, and whisking our way to glory.

• Essential prep: Rinse your 1 cup (200g) of quinoa really well. Chop 1 pint (450g) of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber , slice 1/2 a red onion thinly , and roughly chop 1/4 cup each of fresh parsley and mint. Crumble 4 ounces (115g) of feta. Pit and halve 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives. You get the gist!
• Time-saving tip: Do the chopping before you cook the quinoa. Multi-tasking, darling! Also, you can chop everything the day before if you really want a head start, and that makes this salad one of the Easy Light Salad Recipes !

Step-by-Step: The Salad Boogie

Ready to boogie?

1. Quinoa Time: In a saucepan, combine quinoa, 2 cups (475ml) vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15- 20 minutes . Think al dente pasta, not mushy porridge!
2. Veggie Fiesta: While quinoa's doing its thing, toss your prepared veggies in a big bowl. The more colorful the better, innit?
3. Dressing Drama: Whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste it. Zingy, right?
4. Salad Assembly: Add the cooled quinoa to the veggie bowl.
5. Dress to Impress: Pour that lovely dressing over the top and gently toss.
6. Feta Finale: Crumble the feta on top. Like snow on a mountain, lush!

This is a Best Apple Salad because you can easily add diced apple! This could be Apple Walnut Fruit Salad , Spring Mix Salad With Apples , Summer Apple Salad , or even a Cornucopia Salad if you just add apple and walnuts! For those seeking Hearty Dinner Salads Meals , this salad serves that too!

Pro Tips: Nailing It

• Don't drown the salad! Add dressing gradually, you can always add more.
• Salt is your friend. A pinch more salt can really bring out the flavors.
• Make-ahead magic: This salad is even better the next day! The flavours meld.

Honestly, you'll be making this salad all summer! It's so versatile and easy. Enjoy, and don't forget to invite me round for lunch.

Right then, let's chat about how to really nail this salad. We're not just chucking ingredients in a bowl, you know? It's about the experience .

Recipe Notes

This recipe is seriously flexible. don't feel like you have to stick to it religiously. throw in what you've got, what you fancy, and make it yours .

Remember those delightful apple walnut fruit salad combos your nan used to whip up? this is just a jazzed-up version of that easy-peasy vibe.

Serving Suggestions: Salad Superstar!

Okay, so picture this: you've made your gorgeous bursting mediterranean quinoa salad. now what? well, for plating, think high . pile it up a bit! a sprinkle of extra feta on top always looks posh.

And honestly, a drizzle of extra olive oil never hurt anyone.

For sides, honestly, this salad is amazing on its own, but if you're feeling fancy, some grilled halloumi would be banging.

A crisp glass of pinot grigio? chef's kiss . it goes well with salads recipes summer vibes. i even made it once, and it was a cornucopia salad of delight!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftovers? lucky you! this salad keeps pretty well. pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Don't freeze it, though; the cucumber will go all weird.

Reheating? Nah, don't bother. This is best served cold, mate. Makes for the Best Apple Salad . This comes under Easy Light Salad Recipes .

Variations: Get Creative!

Honestly, the variations are endless. for a veggie version, use crumbled vegan feta instead of the real deal. works a treat! and if you're watching the carbs, swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice.

Still yummy. if you need a salad to get you though the winter, then this summer apple salad is not it, but equally you can make it with some winter ingredients, to give you a hearty dinner salads meals .

Want to make it a Spring Mix Salad With Apples ? Add some rocket and watercress for a peppery kick. Boom!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Right, quick and dirty nutrition. it's packed with protein from the quinoa and feta. loads of good fats from the olive oil and olives.

And loads of vitamins from the veggies. it's good for your heart, good for your gut, and good for your soul.

You get so much energy from yummy side salads and try to understand what the user is looking for when they use this keyword .

Honestly, this salad is a winner. It’s easy, it's healthy, and it tastes bloomin' amazing. So get in the kitchen and give it a go! You won't regret it, I promise.