Go Back
platehacks

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Fresh, colorful, and packed with bright flavors, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad combines fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish, light lunch, or meal prep option, this refreshing salad is satisfying, protein-rich, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • fine mesh strainer
  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
  2. Add quinoa and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

Let the quinoa cool completely before mixing to keep the vegetables crisp. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Dice vegetables evenly for the best texture. Add feta just before serving if making ahead. Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor.