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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - A Colorful and Nutritious Lunch Bowl

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal packed with protein and fresh vegetables. It's perfect for lunch or as a side dish, and can be made ahead for convenient meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water for cooking quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced (use any color)
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Quinoa
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and parsley.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days for flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add grilled chicken for more protein, or substitute the feta with avocado for a creamier texture. You can also add nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch!