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quinoa salad in a bowl.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl

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. 
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 323kcal
Author: Emily

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

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 3mg
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