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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad featuring fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and a bright lemon dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry quinoa
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of dried oregano
  • Optional: sprinkle of toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve, rubbing the grains gently to remove bitterness. Drain well.
  2. Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups (475ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is translucent.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
  4. While quinoa cools, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and chop parsley.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and crumbled feta to the cooled quinoa. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle dried oregano or toasted pine nuts on top if using.
  8. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork to keep grains separate. Cool quinoa before mixing with fresh veggies to avoid sogginess. If feta is too salty, rinse briefly under cold water before crumbling. Optional additions include dried oregano, toasted pine nuts, or fresh herbs like mint or basil.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-salad-with-feta-easy-5-ingredient-recipe-to-try-today/