Gluten-Free Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Gluten-Free Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Featuring a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives, it's dressed in a simple yet flavorful lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. Fresh parsley and mint add a burst of freshness, making this salad a delightful medley of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it's not only gluten-free but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled (ensure gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
- While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, parsley, and mint as specified.
- Make the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
- Dress the Salad:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your Gluten-Free Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! It's perfect for a refreshing and nutritious meal any time of the day.