Quinoa, Thyme, and Olive Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Capers
This quinoa, thyme, and olive salad with roasted tomatoes and capers is a flavorful and healthy side dish that is perfect for summer. The quinoa is cooked in vegetable broth and then combined with roasted tomatoes, capers, thyme, olives, lemon juice, and tahini. The salad is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is a good source of protein and fiber. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, and capers are a good source of antioxidants. Thyme is a fragrant herb that adds a subtle flavor to the salad, and olives add a salty and briny flavor. Lemon juice adds a bit of acidity to the salad, and tahini adds a creamy and nutty flavor.
Quinoa, Thyme, and Olive Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Capers Quinoa, Thyme, and Olive Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Capers Quinoa, Thyme, and Olive Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Capers Quinoa, Thyme, and Olive Salad with Roasted Tomatoes and Capers
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, water, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, roast the tomatoes and capers. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Toss the tomatoes and capers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, or until they are softened and golden brown.
  5. Once the quinoa and tomatoes are cooked, combine them in a large bowl. Add the thyme, olives, lemon juice, and tahini. Toss to coat.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Why It Works
  • The combination of quinoa, tomatoes, capers, thyme, olives, lemon juice, and tahini creates a complex and flavorful salad.
  • The roasting of the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and makes them slightly sweet.
  • The use of fresh thyme adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
  • The addition of olives adds a salty and briny flavor to the salad.
  • The lemon juice adds a bit of acidity to the salad, which helps to balance out the other flavors.
  • The tahini adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the salad, which helps to bind all of the ingredients together.