This healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe is so simple, healthy, and delicious! A perfect make-ahead recipe to eat on busy workdays, take on a sunny picnic, or just enjoy as a side dish for dinner! Not to mention, this great recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and protein.
This recipe was inspired by something my mom and I would make back in high school. Quinoa is such a great grain that is full of protein and fiber, but this recipe could also be tweaked to use whole grains like Millet or even Couscous. You can also feel free to add more veggies and/or protein sources to this recipe. I think kale, peas, edamame, chickpeas, chicken, and halloumi would all make great additions!
Table of Contents:
🎥 Watch the video of this recipe
🥘 What you need for this recipe
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- Mozzarella Pearls
- Lemon
- English Cucumber
- Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes
- Frozen Peas
- Scallions
- Fresh Parsley
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Whole Grain Mustard
- Pesto (homemade or jarred)
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Feel free to tweak and adjust this recipe as much as you'd like. You can use millet or couscous or even brown rice in place of quinoa. Or swap some of the veggies, maybe add edamame, mushrooms, red onion, kalamata olives, red peppers, garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts etc.
- Make this Vegan - To make this recipe vegan-friendly, either omit the mozzarella or replace with a dairy-free cheese. Most pestos also contain dairy, so opt for a vegan pesto or make your own vegan pesto! You can also add plant-based protein like tofu.
- Make this Gluten-free - Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, as are most of the ingredients in this gluten-free dish! Double check the pesto to be sure.
- Make this Nut-free - Either omit the pesto entirely, as it contains pine nuts, or make a nut-free pesto!
📋 How to make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Prepare the quinoa by bringing 2 cups of broth and 1 cup of dry quinoa to a boil then decrease the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10-20 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed
Remove the pot from stove, cover with a lid, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set quinoa aside to cool to room temperature.
While quinoa is cooling, make the dressing.
In a small bowl or cup, add ¼ cup olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1-2 teaspoons whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon pesto, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine until fully emulsified.
In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled fluffy quinoa and the dressing. Mix to combine.
Next, add chopped cucumbers, sliced scallions, sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, along with any other veggies you wish to add. Mix to combine.
Add minced parsley, stir until fully combined. Taste and add kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper as needed.
Hint: This recipe becomes better and better the longer it sits and allows the quinoa to soak up the lemon dressing. I suggest storing for at least 2 hours before eating!
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes to the dressing or into the mix to give this recipe a little kick!
- Gourmet - My favorite way to make a dish feel more gourmet is to load it up with fresh herbs! Either mix it in or garnish on top, including herbs like chives, fresh basil, green onions, cilantro, or dill!
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Whisk
Storage
This mediterranean quinoa bowl does very well in storage! I recommend storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container, for no longer than 5 days maximum.
Top tip
Be sure to cook the quinoa properly, ensuring you don't overcook it. Overcooking the quinoa can create a mushy result!
FAQ
Quinoa is a great option for those following a mediterranean diet as it is high in fiber and a great source of protein! It also works as a great base for a salad full of healthy fats.
Quinoa, on its own, has a pretty plain flavor. To make it taste better, cook it in a flavorful broth and add a fun sauce or toss it in a salad with your favorite items!
Mediterranean salads can contain a multitude of foods. Some staple ingredients of mediterranean salads are: tomatoes, persian cucumbers, chickpeas, olives, beans, red bell pepper, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, crumbled feta, among many other things!
Related Recipes
Looking for other mediterranean recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- ½ cup Mozzarella Pearls
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1 English Cucumber peeled and diced
- ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes halved
- ½ cup Frozen Peas optional
- Scallions
- Fresh Parsley
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Whole Grain Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Pesto (homemade or jarred)
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa by bringing 2 cups of broth and 1 cup of dry quinoa to a boil then decrease the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10-20 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed
- Remove the pot from stove, cover with a lid, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set quinoa aside to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, make the dressing.
- In a small bowl or cup, add ¼ cup olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1-2 teaspoons whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon pesto, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine until fully emulsified.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled fluffy quinoa and the dressing. Mix to combine.
- Next, add chopped cucumbers, sliced scallions, sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, along with any other veggies you wish to add. Mix to combine.
- Add minced parsley, stir until fully combined. Taste and add kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper as needed.
Notes
- Make this Vegan - To make this recipe vegan-friendly, either omit the mozzarella or replace with a dairy-free cheese. Most pestos also contain dairy, so opt for a vegan pesto or make your own vegan pesto! You can also add plant-based protein like tofu.
- Make this Gluten-free - Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, as are most of the ingredients in this gluten-free dish! Double check the pesto to be sure.
- Make this Nut-free - Either omit the pesto entirely, as it contains pine nuts, or make a nut-free pesto!
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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