Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy salad that’s full of flavor and packed with nutrients? This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect choice. With its colorful mix of veggies, wholesome quinoa, and tangy Mediterranean dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also light and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or bringing a healthy option to a potluck, this salad will quickly become a favorite.

I developed this recipe because I was craving a salad that was both refreshing and nutrient-dense, but without compromising on taste. Quinoa serves as the perfect base for this Mediterranean-inspired salad because it’s light yet filling, and provides a great source of protein. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese adds a burst of flavor, while the zesty lemon and olive oil dressing ties everything together. Best of all, it’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prepping.

This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is versatile, and you can tweak it to fit your taste preferences. Add more vegetables, toss in some grilled chicken, or skip the cheese to make it vegan. With so many options to make it your own, this Mediterranean quinoa salad will become a go-to recipe for healthy eating.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Selling Points:

• Nutritious and Filling: With quinoa as the base, this salad is packed with plant-based protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
  
• Full of Flavor: The fresh ingredients, such as crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy Kalamata olives, combine to create a salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
  
• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes and can be made ahead for meal prep, making it perfect for busy days.
  
• Customizable: Add or remove ingredients based on your preferences—add grilled chicken, swap the feta cheese for goat cheese, or use a different dressing to make it your own.
  
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether served as a side dish at a BBQ, as a light lunch, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, this salad is always a hit.
  

What You’ll Need for Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
  
• 1 cucumber, diced
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for vegan version)
  
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
   
2. Prepare the Veggies: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley.
   
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, Dijon mustard (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   
4. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley.
   
5. Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course.

Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

• Let the Quinoa Cool: Allow the quinoa to cool before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the vegetables and to ensure the dressing absorbs better.
  
• Make it Vegan: Simply skip the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
  
• Adjust the Dressing: If you like a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice or a little extra Dijon mustard. You can also try adding a touch of honey for sweetness if you prefer.
  
• Add Protein: To make the salad more filling, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for extra protein.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free because quinoa is a gluten-free grain.
  
• Vegan Option: Skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a vegan version.
  
• Extra Veggies: Add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted sweet potatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
  
• More Cheese: If you love cheese, add some crumbled goat cheese or a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra richness.

Closing for your Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

And that’s it! A light, fresh, and flavorful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Full of vibrant veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect as a side dish or a healthy meal on its own. Enjoy this refreshing, nutrient-packed salad that’s sure to brighten up your day!

Frequently Asked Questions for your Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prepping! You can make the quinoa and chop the veggies in advance, then combine everything and add the dressing just before serving. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I add meat to this salad?
Definitely! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or even shrimp. You can also add roasted chicken for a heartier meal.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Mediterranean quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re using feta cheese, be sure to store it separately to prevent it from getting soggy.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! You can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, farro, or even brown rice for a different texture or flavor.

How do I make this salad spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.

Is this salad good for a party or potluck?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean quinoa salad is a perfect dish to bring to parties, BBQs, or potlucks. It’s easy to transport, refreshing, and flavorful, making it a great crowd-pleaser.

This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the ideal recipe when you want something healthy, flavorful, and filling. With fresh ingredients and a simple dressing, it’s a great addition to any meal, or perfect as a stand-alone dish. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with every bite, and feel good knowing you’re eating something that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for vegan version)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Prepare the Veggies: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley.
• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, Dijon mustard (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa with the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course.