Mediterranean Quinoa Salad | From a Plain Quinoa Meal Prep!

Published by Bat-El at February 19, 2023

Ingredients

Serves 2
3-4 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in 2
2 Israeli/ Persian cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/3 cup Kalamata olives + 2 tbsp liquid

1 can chickpeas, draind and washed
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:
1 big lemon, squeezed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
2 tsp honey
1-2 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

If you have plain quinoa sitting in your fridge, and you break your head how to incorporate more quinoa into your weekly menu try this delicious and colorful Mediterranean salad. With no regrets, you can enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal that can be served, room temp or cold, amazing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and even served at a party.

Welcome back to our beloved kitchen explorers! Today, we'll be transforming that leftover quinoa in your fridge into a symphony of Mediterranean goodness that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Brace yourself, because this dish is not just any dish, it's the vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that you'll surely adore.

Instructions

Place your cooked quinoa in a large salad bowl. Toss in all the chopped veggies and chickpeas.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and olive oil until well combined and emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a good mix. Check the flavor, and adjust if necessary.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, it's time to dig in and enjoy!

There you have it! Your very own Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that will make your ordinary meals feel like a celebration. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your food masterpiece now, and your body will thank you later! Check out more breakfast options by yours truly HERE.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even better. Just keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and it can last up to 5 days.

I don't have quinoa, can I use a different grain?

Definitely! This salad is quite versatile. You can replace quinoa with other grains like couscous or bulgur wheat. Just remember, cooking times and water quantities may vary.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or whatever is in season. Bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or even some crunchy radishes would work great!

I'm not a fan of chickpeas, can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! If chickpeas aren't your thing, feel free to substitute them with other sources of protein like grilled chicken or tofu.

I can't find Kalamata olives, can I use other types of olives?

Sure, you can! While Kalamata olives give a distinct flavor, you can substitute them with other varieties of olives. Just remember to adjust the saltiness of your dressing as different olives have different salt contents.

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