Introduction
Quinoa salad is not just a delightful dish; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients and flavors. This recipe combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with fresh vegetables and the briny flavor of Kalamata olives, topped off with crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this salad is both healthy and delicious.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ cup dry quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
1 cup English cucumbers, sliced
¼ cup red onion, diced
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer.
2. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of water. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the quinoa is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat, uncover, and allow the quinoa to cool. To expedite cooling, spread the quinoa in a thin layer on a wide salad bowl or baking sheet.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer. This will help remove the natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of water. Cover the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the quinoa is tender, which will take approximately 15 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Quinoa
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Uncover it and allow the quinoa to cool. To expedite the cooling process, spread the quinoa in a thin layer on a wide salad bowl or a baking sheet.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
Step 6: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Storage
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may soften over time, but the flavors will continue to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This quinoa salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients such as bell peppers, spinach, or herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor.
Cook techniques
Rinsing Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer. This step helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste.
Cooking Quinoa
Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the quinoa is tender, which takes about 15 minutes. This method ensures the quinoa absorbs the water and becomes fluffy.
Cooling Quinoa
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat, uncover it, and allow the quinoa to cool. To speed up the cooling process, spread the quinoa in a thin layer on a wide salad bowl or baking sheet.
Mixing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the sliced vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Mixing these ingredients while the quinoa is still slightly warm enhances the flavor absorption.
Preparing Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt until well combined. This method allows the flavors to meld properly before adding to the salad.
Tossing Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. This technique results in a well-dressed salad that balances flavor in each bite.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of grain instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa with grains like couscous, bulgur, or farro, but cooking times may vary.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp can be excellent additions to increase protein content.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Yes, you can omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make the salad vegan.
What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
Feel free to add bell peppers, avocados, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This quinoa salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables, the savory taste of feta cheese, and the brininess of Kalamata olives, all topped with a zesty dressing. It offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Enjoy it as is or customize it to suit your palate!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chickpea and Avocado Salad
Combine canned chickpeas, diced avocado, sliced bell peppers, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice for a protein-packed version.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Swap quinoa for couscous and include diced bell peppers, parsley, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added crunch.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Mix fresh spinach with sliced strawberries, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy dish.
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes to cooked quinoa, topped with tahini dressing for a warm, comforting meal.
Fruit and Nut Quinoa Salad
Incorporate diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts into the quinoa for a sweet and nutty salad, finished with a honey-lemon dressing.
