Simple Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta & Lemon Vinaigrette

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to bring a burst of sunshine to your table? Today we’re diving into a timeless, refreshing favorite: a Simple Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta & Lemon Vinaigrette. 🌿🍋

This dish embodies the heart of Mediterranean cooking—fresh produce, bright flavors, wholesome grains, and just the right touch of creamy feta. It’s the kind of salad that reminds you of warm coastal breezes, family gatherings, and rustic meals shared around a sunlit table. Whether you’re planning a picnic, packing lunch for work, or preparing a light dinner, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is a perfect go-to.

Traditionally inspired but wonderfully simple, this salad celebrates ingredients that have been loved across generations: ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, briny olives, and golden olive oil. Quinoa might not be ancient to the Mediterranean, but its nutty flavor pairs naturally with these classic flavors—almost as if it has always belonged there! ❤️

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Enjoy it warm or chilled, as a side or a main, and customize it with your favorite Mediterranean touches. Plus, it keeps beautifully, making it a dream for meal prep or make-ahead gatherings. With each forkful, you’re getting nourishment, comfort, and vibrant tradition in one delicious bowl. Ready to dig in? Let’s cook this beauty! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional but traditional and refreshing 🌿)

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the quinoa.
   Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the quinoa, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables.
   Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, chop the onion, olives, and herbs. Place everything into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the vinaigrette.
   Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust acidity and seasoning to your taste—Mediterranean cooking is wonderfully flexible! 🍋
4. Assemble the salad.
   Add the cooled quinoa into the bowl of vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and gently toss until everything is beautifully coated.
5. Add the feta.
   Sprinkle in the crumbled feta and fold gently. You want pockets of creamy feta in every bite!
6. Chill or serve.
   Serve immediately for a bright, warm salad—or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for even deeper flavor.
7. Enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine! 🌞
   Serve as a main course or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or warm pita bread.

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~320
🍽️ Servings: 4

#quinoasalad #mediterraneanrecipe #healthymeals #traditionalflavors #freshandbright

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️