Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with every single bite! This Red Quinoa Salad isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey packed with nutrition, explosive flavors, and a stunning array of colors that will make your Instagram followers drool with envy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone seeking a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on taste, this Mediterranean marvel is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely dice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the prepared vegetables to the cooled quinoa in the mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean-style salad.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Let quinoa cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting of fresh vegetables.
- For extra flavor, toast quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking to enhance its nuttiness.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh red wine vinegar for the dressing.
- Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors develop.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best flavor integration.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
