Introduction
If you’re in search of a refreshing and nutritious salad that’s simple to prepare, look no further. This delightful quinoa salad combines a variety of fresh vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or served as a side dish at dinner, this salad is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Salad:
– 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
Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– ⅛ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This quinoa salad is simple yet delicious, making it a great dish for any occasion. Enjoy and share with friends and family!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Rinse the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
Cook the Quinoa
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.
Cool the Quinoa
Remove the saucepan from heat, uncover, and let the quinoa cool. To expedite cooling, spread it out in a thin layer on a wide salad bowl or baking sheet.
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Quinoa Preparation
Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove saponins, which can give a bitter taste.
Customize Ingredients
Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables or herbs according to your preference.
Storage Recommendations
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dressing can be added right before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Cook techniques
Rinsing Quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness from the outer coating called saponin. This helps enhance the flavor of the cooked quinoa.
Cooking Quinoa
Combine rinsed quinoa with water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
Cooling Quinoa
After cooking, remove the quinoa from heat and let it cool. To speed up the cooling process, spread it out in a thin layer on a wide salad bowl or baking sheet.
Combining Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, diced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a balanced and colorful salad.
Making the Dressing
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a separate small bowl until fully combined to create a flavorful dressing.
Coating the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Serving and Storing
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing for flavors to meld if stored.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad in advance. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to ensure the salad stays fresh and crisp.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with other cheese options like goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to enhance the salad’s flavor and nutritional profile.
Can I use another type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes, you can use other vinegars like balsamic or apple cider vinegar, but it may change the flavor profile of the dressing slightly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain.
Conclusion
This quinoa salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful olives, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a simple yet zesty dressing. It’s not only a nutritious option but also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. With balanced ingredients, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chickpea and Avocado Salad
Combine canned chickpeas, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice for a protein-packed option.
Caprese Quinoa Salad
Mix cooled quinoa with fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze for an Italian twist.
Greek Pita Wraps
Use the salad ingredients to fill whole wheat pita pockets, adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Top the quinoa with a mix of roasted seasonal vegetables and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Replace quinoa with whole grain pasta and add sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and pesto for a hearty dish.
Asian Slaw with Quinoa
Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, and a sesame-ginger dressing with quinoa for a crunchy salad.
