Description
Summer is the ideal season for enjoying fresh, vibrant meals that are quick to prepare. The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad stands out among 50+ easy summer dinners, offering a delightful mix of colorful vegetables and protein-rich quinoa. This salad not only bursts with flavor but also provides a nutritious meal option for casual gatherings or family dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing dish, complete with a zesty lemon-basil dressing that encapsulates the essence of summer. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side, this versatile recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your summer evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, rinsed and drained)
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (halved)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh colander.
- In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- While quinoa cooks, chop the vegetables: red onion, cucumber, bell pepper; halve tomatoes and olives.
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped basil.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with chickpeas and chopped vegetables. Drizzle dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Allow salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg