Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a bright, tangy lemon herb dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, this make-ahead salad is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed well
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh mint chopped
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve after a day. Make-Ahead: Cook the quinoa and prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance; combine just before serving for best texture. Substitutions: Use chickpeas for added protein, or swap mint for fresh dill. For a nutty crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. Serving Suggestion: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a standalone vegetarian meal.