Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a salaf where we mix Chickpeas with Cucumber, Red Onions, Bell Peppers, Black Olives, Tomatoes, and Quinoa. The dressing is that of Olive oil, White Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Garlic cloves, Salt, and Pepper. It is poured over the salad and the salad is topped with some shredded Feta Cheese, Cilantro, Basil, and Lemon Juice.
Quinoa Salad is one of the healthiest salad recipes. The health benefits of Quinoa are no news to us now and I think I have been using it for some time with great reactions from my family members. When you cook it, it really tastes amazing. Also, I think, it's a clever grain to incorporate into your kid's meal, which they will love and won't say no to.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is one of my go-to summer salad recipes for Barbeque nights or when I am grilling fruits and veggies. Also, this is so fresh and zesty that it'll blow your mind off.
This Low Carb Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a keto salad recipe. This is also a great Keto side dish recipe.
Let's talk about the Taste
Quinoa Mediterranean Salad is a zesty and refreshing salad. There is a grainy feel due to the Quinoa. Also, the fresh veggies such as Cucumber, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Red Onions add to the freshness of this salad. The dressing is something which I love the most about this Salad.
There are so many flavors in it. I generally make this dressing and store it in the fridge. This combination of White Vine Vinegar with Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Lemon Juice, and Olive oil is so easy to make and adds to the zesty and fresh taste of this salad. Also, read the recipe of my Mediterranean Pasta Salad which too is my summer favorite recipe.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Arabian Cucumber: Arabian Cucumbers are fat Cucumbers. You can easily find them. If you cannot find them then you can jump to English Cucumbers. You do not have to peel the skin off the Cucumber. Just slice it into half from the top and then cut half circles from each.
Red Onions: Red Onions adds to the sweetness in this recipe. Many people also add some Maple Syrup or Honey in this recipe, however, I never add those. I think part of the taste of this salad lies in it's a zesty and lemony freshness which should not be marred by the sweetness of Maple Syrup or Honey. Let just the onion add to the sweetness.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes adds to the sourness of this salad. Also, it really complements the Quinoa.
Bell Peppers: Like any Mediterranean Salad, Bell Pepper is an absolute must here as well. It brings in a crunchy bite to the salad and also tastes good.
Black Olives: Black Olives brings in a sweet and salty taste to this salad which tastes refreshing and appetizing.
Cilantro, Lemon Juice, and Basil Leaves: These three are the most commonly used Mediterranean recipe toppings which are perfect for this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Cilantro and Lemon Juice bring in the freshness while Basil has a typical sweetness to it which tastes so good!
Chickpeas: I think there is no better Mediterranean Salad without Chickpeas. Chickpeas add to the protein of the salad.
Quinoa: Quinoa is the real hero of the salad. I have used uncooked Quinoa. It gives a grainy and crunchy bite to your palate which tastes good with this salad.
Feta Cheese: Feta Cheese adds to the goodness of this salad like no other cheese. However, if you do not have this you can use Mozarella as well.
Making the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
You mix in the veggies along with Chickpeas and Quinoa. Top it with Shredded Feta Cheese, Basil, and Cilantro Leaves and some freshly squeezed Lemon Juice.
For the dressing combine minced Garlic cloves with Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, and season with some salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 4-5 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon White Wine Vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
Salad
- 1 Cup Quinoa uncooked
- ½ Cup Chickpeas cooked
- 1 medium Arabian Cucumber chopped
- 1 medium Red Onion chopped
- 1 medium Tomato chopped
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoon Black Olives
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 4-5 Basil Leaves halved
- ¼ Cup Cilantro freshly chopped
- 1 tablespoon Feta Cheese shredded
Instructions
Dressing
- In a mixing bowl add the minced garlic along with Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Salt, and Pepper. Mix everything until smooth. Add water to thin it and keep aside.
Salad
- Boil the Chickpeas in water with some baking soda for 10-15 minutes
- In a mixing bowl add the cooked Chickpeas along with the chopped veggies - Cucumber, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Black Olives. Add the uncooked Quinoa into it.
- Add some Lemon Juice and chopped Basil and Cilantro leaves. Top with some shredded Feta Cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well mixing everything and then serve.
Nutrition
Racheal says
I love every bit of this salad. So healthy it is.
Anjali says
Thanks Racheal! Glad you liked it.