Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (Printable)

A refreshing mix of quinoa, fresh vegetables, feta, and zesty lemon-oregano dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cucumber, diced
05 - ½ red onion, finely chopped
06 - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
07 - ½ red bell pepper, diced

→ Dairy

08 - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Fresh Herbs

09 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

→ Dressing

11 - ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and red bell pepper.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint into the salad. Gently toss again to combine.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those days when you want something nourishing but don't have hours in the kitchen
  • The combination of fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta creates a texture adventure in every bite
  • It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have time to get to know each other, making meal prep feel like a gift to your future self
02 -
  • Always rinse your quinoa before cooking—this one lesson learned early will save you from the bitter, soapy taste that haunts many first-time quinoa makers
  • Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve it, or let it sit for at least an hour before serving; the vegetables will release their moisture, and the longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together
  • Fresh herbs make an enormous difference—dried parsley is a shadow of what fresh parsley brings to this salad, so don't compromise
03 -
  • Invest in good quality extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice—these two ingredients are the difference between a salad and an experience
  • Keep the herb garnish separate until the last moment; adding parsley and mint just before serving keeps them vibrant and alive rather than wilted and dark

Return