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50+ Easy Summer Dinners

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad


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  • Author: Amanda
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Experience the essence of summer with this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, a vibrant dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings, this salad showcases the season’s best produce while offering a nutritious meal in just 30 minutes. The combination of protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas with colorful vegetables creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether served as a light main course or as a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as is for a wholesome feast that embodies summer dining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • The juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh colander to remove bitterness.
  2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. While quinoa cooks, chop vegetables and rinse chickpeas.
  4. For dressing: whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped basil in a bowl.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle dressing over top and mix well.
  6. Allow salad to rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg