While the summer heat will be leaving us soon, there is still enough time to enjoy some perfect summer weather dishes like this delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. This salad is colorful, filling and perfect to share!
Perfect Summer Salad To Share
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. Sure, it seems like the longest spring break ever but I still cannot believe that kids are heading back to school in some form this week. Even though it was a really weird summer it was a summer filled with fun and many memories created.
As we start to wrap up summertime 2020, I know we have a few more small gatherings on our calendar. Because these gatherings are even more special due to the pandemic you better believe I am looking for a delicious side dish to share. I think we are all sick of the traditional pasta salad so I decided to try something a little different and what do you know, it was a HIT!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
I have not used Quinoa in many recipes but when I do I never regret it. Like these Strawberry Quinoa Breakfast bars – SO GOOD!! I think after being on lockdown for the last 5 months we are all trying to get back into making some better health choices and by using Quinoa I know I am providing a great whole grain, protein and fiber filled option for my guests. Not to mention, this is a very easy and colorful side dish that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients For The Salad:
1 ½ cup white quinoa, rinsed
2 ¾ cups water
½ tsp salt
1 large English cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup sliced black or kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
Ingredients For The Dressing:
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 TBSP red wine vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ cup olive oil
Fresh black pepper, optional
Directions:
1. In a medium pot, add quinoa, water, and salt.
2. Cover and heat water to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is absorbed and the quinoa grains are open.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, onion, red pepper, cheese, parsley, and olives.
4. In a bowl or salad dressing bottle, mix together ingredients for the dressing. Whisk (or shake) until blended.
5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed. Serve warm or cold based on your preference.
Other Summer Salads To Try:
Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Easy Cucumber Salad
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
Spinach Salad + Homemade Salad Dressing
7 Layer Pea Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
While the summer heat will be leaving us soon, there is still enough time to enjoy some perfect summer weather dishes like this delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. This salad is colorful, filling and perfect to share!
Ingredients
For Salad
- 1 1/2 cup white quinoa Rinsed
- 2 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large english cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced (optional)
- 1 cup black or kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
For Dressing
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 TBSP red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- Fresh black pepper, optional
Instructions
-
In a medium pot, add quinoa, water, and salt.
-
Cover and heat water to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is absorbed and the quinoa grains are open.
-
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, onion, red pepper, cheese, parsley, and olives.
-
In a bowl or salad dressing bottle, mix together ingredients for the dressing. Whisk (or shake) until blended.
-
Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
-
Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed. Serve warm or cold based on your preference.
What is your favorite salad recipe to make during the summer?
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