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summer salad recipes - A large white bowl filled with vibrant Zesty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, featuring fluffy quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, crumbled feta, and fresh green herbs, with a lemon wedge on the side.

Zesty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad


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  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant and refreshing quinoa salad packed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings, healthy meals, or picnics. This is one of the best summer salad recipes for taste and convenience.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, diced (about 1.5 cups)
1/2 red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
FOR THE DRESSING:
Juice of 1 large lemon (3-4 tablespoons)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold running water. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables. While quinoa cools, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely dice red onion, and dice bell pepper. Chop fresh parsley and mint.
Step 3: Make the Dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
Step 4: Combine the Salad. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, fresh parsley, and fresh mint. Gently crumble feta cheese over the mixture.
Step 5: Dress and Serve. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy one of the best summer salad recipes!

Notes

For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. It also makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prepping throughout the week. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or other fresh vegetables like olives or artichoke hearts for variations.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sides & Salads
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
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