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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta

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A quick and healthy Mediterranean quinoa salad featuring fluffy quinoa, tangy feta, and crisp veggies with a bright lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (170g) of rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan with 2 cups (475ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  2. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. While quinoa cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint. Slice the Kalamata olives.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, toss together the cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint.
  6. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  7. Crumble 1/2 cup (75g) of feta cheese over the top and give a gentle final toss.
  8. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let it rest for 10 minutes if possible to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Cool quinoa completely before mixing to prevent soggy salad and melting feta. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Adjust salt gradually due to salty feta and olives.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-salad-with-feta-easy-5-minute-healthy-recipe/