Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean quinoa salad is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's packed with flavor from the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and parsley. The quinoa adds a hearty and filling element, and the olive oil dressing brings all the flavors together.

This recipe was inspired by a trip I took to the Mediterranean coast of Spain a few years ago. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant flavors of the food, and I knew I wanted to recreate some of the dishes I had at home. This salad is my take on a traditional Mediterranean salad, and it's quickly become one of my favorite summer dishes.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
2. Let the quinoa cool slightly, then fluff with a fork.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of flavors in this salad is what makes it so special. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the freshness of the cucumber, the sharpness of the red onion, the saltiness of the feta cheese, and the bitterness of the kalamata olives all work together to create a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
• The quinoa adds a hearty and filling element to the salad, making it a great option for a light lunch or dinner. It's also a good source of protein and fiber.
• The olive oil dressing is light and flavorful, and it helps to bring all the flavors of the salad together. It's also a good source of healthy fats.
• This salad is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. You can add or remove ingredients as you like, and you can adjust the amount of dressing to your desired taste.