Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean quinoa salad is packed with nutritious ingredients and dressed in an aromatic blend of olive oil and herbs for an explosion of taste. It's perfect as a quick yet wholesome lunch or as a delicious side dish.

There's something undeniably magical about the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, and this quinoa salad captures them beautifully.

Whether you're a quinoa fan or you're simply looking for a recipe to try it for the first time, this salad truly delivers.

This salad combines the simple yet flavorful ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine.

With a hint of lemon, a touch of olive oil, and a mix of fresh herbs, it's a delicious meal that's also super easy to make.

Why you'll love this Mediterranean quinoa salad

• This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
• It's a dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to your plate.
• It's super versatile and you can use any veggies and herbs you like.

Ingredients and substitutions

Olive oil - This is the base of the dressing, and it's best to use a quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Red wine vinegar + lemon juice - A mix of red wine vinegar and freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a tangy bite to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar also work well here.

Agave syrup (or maple syrup) - This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess.

Dijon mustard - The mustard adds a sharp flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.

Dried oregano - If you don't have oregano, dried basil or marjoram also work here.

Garlic clove - This is optional but highly recommended. Freshly minced or crushed garlic gives the best flavor.

Quinoa - Make sure to rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating. This Mediterranean salad also works with couscous or bulgur wheat.

Chickpeas - I used canned chickpeas for convenience but you can also use chickpeas that you've soaked overnight and then boiled until tender.

Veggies - This is where you can get creative - I used plum tomatoes and a mix of yellow and red bell pepper but you can add just about any veggies you like.

Red onion - Soak the red onions in cold water for 10 minutes if you want them to be less pungent.

Olives - Use green or black olives, pitted and sliced. A mix is also a great idea. Capers can be a good substitute if you're looking for a salty, briny kick.

Fresh herbs - I made this vegan quinoa salad with a mix of fresh basil and parsley for freshness and extra flavor. Fresh mint is another great addition.

How to make vegan quinoa salad

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing. Set aside while you prepare the salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives, parsley and basil.

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything well to ensure the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop. This step is optional; you can also serve it immediately.

Leftovers and storage

• Store the quinoa salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve the freshness of the vegetables.
• While quinoa and chickpeas freeze well, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, and bell peppers may lose their texture upon thawing. If planning to freeze, prep and freeze only the quinoa and chickpea base, then add the fresh ingredients after thawing and reheating.

Recipe notes and tips

• Toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before boiling can enhance its nutty flavor.
• Feel free to toss in other Mediterranean favorites like cucumbers or artichoke hearts for additional texture and flavor.
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add a delightful crunch to the salad.

If you liked this Mediterranean quinoa salad, you might also like some of my other easy vegan salad recipes:

• Vegan Couscous Salad
• Fava Bean Chickpea Salad
• Easy Chickpea Tabbouleh
• Vegan Tzatziki Pasta Salad
• Vegan Cashew Pesto Pasta Salad

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