This recipe for Mediterranean quinoa salad is full of fresh vegetables, feta cheese and chickpeas tossed in a lemon and herb dressing and topped with herbs. It’s a light and colorful addition to any meal!
When I’m looking to eat a little healthier, I turn to fresh salads such as farro salad, tomato cucumber salad, and this amazingly delicious quinoa salad.
I love salad, but I don’t love when it’s a sea of lettuce with a few tiny vegetable pieces sprinkled in. I’m all about the salad toppings, the more the better in my opinion. This Mediterranean quinoa salad actually doesn’t contain any lettuce at all – just plenty of fresh vegetables mixed with quinoa and tossed in a flavorful dressing!
How do you make quinoa salad?
This recipe starts with cooked quinoa, with is mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables, olives, chickpeas, feta cheese and herbs. A homemade dressing is drizzled over the top, then you can either eat your salad immediately or put it in the fridge to chill for later.
How do you cook quinoa?
To cook your quinoa, you’ll need first rinse your quinoa well. If you don’t rinse the quinoa, it may have a bitter aftertaste. You’ll want to use 2 cups of water for every cup of quinoa. Place the water and quinoa in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover the pot and let the quinoa simmer for 13-15 minutes or until tender. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa stand for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork, then you’re ready to use it.
Tips for quinoa salad
- I use two colors of bell pepper because I like the color variety. You can use just one color if you prefer, the salad will taste the same!
- I use English cucumbers which have tender, edible peels and seeds. You can also use small Persian cucumbers with a similar result.
- This salad can be made up to 1 day before you plan to serve it.
- You can use any type of fresh herbs that you like in this salad, I often use parsley, chives, dill or basil.
Is quinoa healthy?
Quinoa is a very healthy food, and is high in protein, gluten free, and high in fiber. Quinoa also contains plenty of nutrients including magnesium, Vitamin B, iron, calcium and a variety of antioxidants.
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is the perfect side dish for a barbecue or a potluck or simply eat it as a meal in itself like I do. However you serve it up, this salad will likely become one of your go-to recipes as it has for me.
More great salad recipes
Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup orange bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 cup chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
- For the dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the salad: Place the quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, feta cheese, chickpeas, parsley and olives in a large bowl.
- For the dressing: Combine all of the ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on April 7, 2016 and was updated on July 2, 2019 with new content.
Shirl says
When ever I cook quinoa, it always comes out mushy. What can I do?
Sara says
It sounds like you’re using too much water or cooking it too long! How much water do you use per cup of quinoa?
Xuan Nguyen says
This was delicious! Thank you!
Veena Azmanov says
This is a platter full of health and goodness. Quinoa sounds so healthy and amazing for a salad too.
Krissy Allori says
This looks like the perfect Summer salad! Can’t wait to try it.
Patty at Spoonabilities says
What an amazing and absolutely gorgeous meal!
Caitlyn Erhardt says
This looks so bright and healthy! Wonderful recipe!
Emily says
I love how colorful and nutritious this quinoa salad is!
Jeff says
Any issues you find with making this ahead of time?
Sara says
You can absolutely make it ahead of time!
Whitney @ Whitney's Real Recipes says
Love salads and I love having meal salads. This sounds like a great one for that. Also really enjoy the addition of quinoa – added protein and great texture.
Greg says
Amazing salad! What a flavor combination!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Great salad. So many great ingredients and pretty, too!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I love hearty salads like this, and you are so right about it keeping well, I love to make a big batch on the weekend and eat it for lunch all week long.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
It sounds like a wonderful side or hearty salad. I love anything with Mediterranean flavors. The colors are wonderful!