Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. It solves the problem of eating the same thing every day. After making this many times, I know the best way to get it right. This salad is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. Try it with my easy feta cucumber skewers. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Feta Cucumber Skewers and Refresh Your Summer Drinks.
Why This Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Quick meal in 20 minutes
- Packed with protein
- Delightful balance of flavors
- Perfect for summer
What You'll Need for Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes
- Optional: Sliced green onions
- Optional: Crushed walnuts
- Optional: Lemon zest
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Quinoa: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.
- Feta cheese: Use full-fat feta for best creaminess and flavor.
- Olives: Kalamata olives add a rich, briny flavor.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick mixing bowl — Ensures even mixing and prevents sticking → See on Amazon
- Measuring spoons — Precise measurement of spices and liquids → See on Amazon
How to Make Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Rinse and cook quinoa: In a medium pot, combine quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped vegetables: In a large bowl, mix in chopped cucumber, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything: Add the dressing to the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss until well combined.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Best technique: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes bitterness and improves texture.
- Common mistake and fix: Adding too much dressing can make the salad watery. Start with less, then add more as needed.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving: Toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Storing & Reheating Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Freezing Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
- Best substitution: If you don’t have feta, use crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a splash of water.
Want to level up this recipe?
Sharp chef’s knife — Allows for even chopping of vegetables → Check price on Amazon
Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed walnuts
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Rinse and cook quinoa: In a medium pot, combine quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped vegetables: In a large bowl, mix in chopped cucumber, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything: Add the dressing to the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss until well combined.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
- Best substitution: If you don’t have feta, use crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing ahead of time and mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger batch.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a splash of water.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad FAQs
Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Toss again before serving.
If the quinoa is too dry, add a little more broth or water. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Yes, you can substitute with brown quinoa or a quinoa blend. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change. Enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
