Quinoa, a nutritious grain-like seed, has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. When combined with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, it creates a delightful and refreshing salad. This article presents a recipe for a Mediterranean quinoa salad with a zesty lemon-herb dressing. The dish is not only rich in taste but also packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your healthy eating regime.
Ingredients
To prepare this Mediterranean quinoa salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the lemon-herb dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the quinoa
In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the broth is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the salad ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint leaves. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Make the lemon-herb dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Dress the salad
Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing over the quinoa salad mixture. Toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean quinoa salad with lemon-herb dressing can be served as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. For an added touch, garnish the salad with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges before serving.
Conclusion
Incorporating this Mediterranean quinoa salad into your diet allows you to enjoy a burst of flavors while reaping the health benefits of quinoa and fresh ingredients. Its complex yet harmonious combination of textures and tastes will leave you satisfied and nourished. So, gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in this delightful and nutritious dish today!
