Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
A vibrant, protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. It's a refreshing, healthy meal prep staple that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed thoroughly
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced (about 1 medium cucumber)
- 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Make-Ahead: Cook the quinoa and chop the vegetables up to 2 days in advance; store separately. Assemble with dressing just before serving for the crispest texture. Variations: Add crumbled feta cheese, chickpeas for extra protein, or roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.