Elevate your meal with this vibrant Mediterranean quinoa salad that's packed with flavors and wholesome ingredients! Featuring fluffy quinoa, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect as a refreshing side or a light main dish. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it's a healthy choice for any occasion. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean today!
1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a creamy finish)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
![The base of this salad is quinoa. You need 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed well. This step removes the bitter coating called saponin. Cook it in 2 cups of vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also use water, but broth gives it a richer taste. Fresh veggies bring color and crunch. Use: - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced These ingredients add freshness and texture. The tomatoes and cucumbers add juiciness, while bell pepper and onion bring sharpness. A good dressing makes all the difference. You’ll use: - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Whisk these together until blended. This dressing brightens the salad. If you want a creamy touch, add ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can find the Full Recipe above for more details. To start, take 1 cup of quinoa and rinse it well. This removes the bitter outer coating. Next, place the quinoa in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and look fluffy. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 more minutes. This extra time helps steam the quinoa. Fluff it with a fork and spread it on a plate to cool. While the quinoa cools, chop your vegetables. Dice 1 medium cucumber and 1 red bell pepper. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Finely chop ½ red onion. Rinse and drain 1 cup of canned chickpeas. Slice ½ cup of Kalamata olives. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these ingredients. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and mix everything evenly. This step ensures each bite has a burst of flavor. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well mixed. This dressing will brighten the salad. Drizzle it over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat everything well. If you want creaminess, sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Toss it again but gently to keep the cheese intact. Finally, add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get fluffy quinoa, rinse it well. This removes the bitter coating. I use a fine mesh strainer for this task. Next, cook it in vegetable broth instead of water. The broth adds flavor. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, let it sit for 5 minutes. This step helps the quinoa absorb any remaining liquid. Finally, fluff it with a fork. This creates the perfect texture for your salad. Flavor is key in a good quinoa salad. Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of taste. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish. I also like to mix in some dried oregano for depth. For a salty kick, Kalamata olives and feta cheese work wonders. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The right blend makes your salad shine. Presentation matters, especially with vibrant ingredients. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter for sharing. This invites others to dig in. Sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. It adds a fresh touch and looks lovely. Use clear bowls to show off the colorful layers. People eat with their eyes first, so make it appealing! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can boost your Mediterranean quinoa salad with more veggies. Try adding spinach, kale, or arugula for a fresh crunch. Grated carrots add sweetness and color. Roasted red peppers bring a smoky flavor. You can also toss in artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste. These add-ins make the salad heartier and more filling. While the lemon and olive oil dressing shines, you can explore other flavors. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy kick. Try a tahini-based dressing for a nutty taste. If you love spice, a harissa or chili oil dressing can wake up your salad. Each dressing brings a new twist, so feel free to switch it up! Use seasonal produce to keep your salad fresh year-round. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a crisp bite. Summer means juicy peaches or berries for sweetness. Fall calls for roasted butternut squash or apples, giving a warm flavor. In winter, try using hearty root vegetables like carrots or beets. Seasonal swaps make your salad exciting and delicious. For the full recipe, click here. After enjoying your Mediterranean quinoa salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge. It should last for 3 to 5 days. If you notice the vegetables losing their crunch, it's time to eat them. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. You can freeze the quinoa salad, but I recommend only freezing the base. Avoid freezing fresh veggies and dressing to keep their taste and texture. To freeze, place the cooled quinoa salad in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will stay good for about 1 to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the quinoa salad, I suggest using the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it over low heat until warm. In the microwave, heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. Just add a drizzle of olive oil or fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make this quinoa salad gluten-free, use certified gluten-free quinoa. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so it works great. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the salad without any worries. Quinoa is a superfood packed with benefits. It is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. Eating quinoa can support your heart health and keep you full longer. Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance! Make the quinoa and chop your vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Mix them together when you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and adds crunch to each bite. For the best flavor, add the dressing just before serving. You can find the full recipe [here](#). This blog post covered how to create a tasty quinoa salad. We explored key ingredients like broth, fresh veggies, and tasty dressings. I shared step-by-step cooking and preparation tips. We also discussed ways to ensure fluffy quinoa and enhance flavors. Variations included vegetarian add-ins and seasonal swaps. Lastly, we looked at storage and reheating tips. In my view, making quinoa salad is fun and rewarding. It’s easy to customize and healthy. Enjoy trying new mixes and flavors!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d3cca3cc-b576-4f6e-8dbc-0dea7ede18d8-250x250.webp)