Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
ngredients:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for added creaminess)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the quinoa: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and fresh mint leaves. If you're using feta cheese, add it to the bowl as well.
Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the dressing is evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed, according to your preference.
Serve: Transfer the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad to individual serving bowls or a large platter. You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together even more.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats. It's a satisfying lunch option that will keep you energized and full throughout the day. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. Enjoy!