This colorful and flavorful quinoa salad is a perfect way to add some variety to your lunch or dinner menu. It's packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The flavors of the Mediterranean inspired dressing will transport you to a vacation in the Mediterranean sea with every bite. Not only it's easy to make, but it's also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can switch up the vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups of water
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under running water for about 1 minute. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, parsley, and mint.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve the quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or a main course. You can top it with your favourite feta cheese for an extra Mediterranean touch.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of this versatile grain. Quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber, making it perfect for those who are vegetarians or vegans. Not only it's healthy, but it's also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can switch up the vegetables and spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, you can make a big batch and enjoy it for the whole week. It's also a great way to clean out the fridge, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the taste and benefits of Quinoa in this delicious and easy recipe. The Mediterranean inspired flavors will transport you to a vacation in the Mediterranean sea with every bite.