Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mia

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a celebration of the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that define the Mediterranean Diet. Fluffy quinoa serves as the perfect protein-rich base, absorbing the bright, tangy lemon-herb dressing while providing a satisfying nutty flavor and delightful texture. Combined with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad delivers a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Inspired by the traditional Greek salad and the ancient grain bowls enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean region, this dish brings together the best of both worlds. Quinoa, though originally from South America, has become a beloved staple in modern Mediterranean cooking due to its exceptional nutritional profile and versatility. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and mint, along with red onion and chickpeas, creates layers of flavor that are both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility and convenience. It can be served immediately as a warm grain bowl or chilled for several hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad actually improves with time, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats from olive oil, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, this dish exemplifies the heart-healthy principles of the Mediterranean Diet.

Perfect as a light dinner on warm evenings or as a substantial side dish for grilled fish or chicken, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is as nourishing as it is delicious. It's naturally vegetarian, can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta, and is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences while never compromising on flavor.

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 18.00g
Carbs 44.00g
Protein 13.00g

Ingredients

1.5 cupsquinoa, uncooked, rinsed
3 cupswater or vegetable broth
2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
1 largecucumber, diced
1/2 mediumred onion, finely diced
1/2 cupkalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 can (15 oz)chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cupfresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cupfresh mint, chopped
1/3 cupextra virgin olive oil
1/4 cupfresh lemon juice, from 2-3 lemons
2 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspdried oregano
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
medium saucepan with lid
small mixing bowl
chef's knife
fine-mesh strainer
large serving bowl
measuring cups and spoons
fork for fluffing quinoa
citrus juicer
garlic press

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense salad is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy through complete protein from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber-rich vegetables. The balanced macronutrients help practitioners meet their nutritional needs while maintaining satiety throughout the fasting period.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle perfectly, with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including quinoa, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. The small amount of feta cheese and minimal processing make this an ideal balanced meal that emphasizes nutrition while allowing modest indulgence.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This salad is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables loaded with antioxidants, omega-3-containing chickpeas, and anti-inflammatory herbs like parsley and mint. The whole food ingredients, combined with garlic and lemon, provide powerful phytonutrients while avoiding processed foods and refined sugars.

Clean Eating

This salad exemplifies clean eating with only whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh vegetables, whole grain quinoa, unprocessed chickpeas, fresh herbs, and pure olive oil. Every ingredient is recognizable and free from artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns perfectly with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), legumes (chickpeas), and using herbs and lemon for flavor instead of excessive salt. The potassium-rich vegetables and chickpeas, combined with heart-healthy olive oil and minimal sodium from fresh ingredients, support blood pressure management while providing excellent fiber, calcium, and magnesium.

Diabetic Diet

This salad is excellent for diabetic management with its low glycemic index ingredients including quinoa, chickpeas, and non-starchy vegetables that support stable blood sugar levels. The balanced combination of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps prevent blood sugar spikes while providing sustained energy.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating with its foundation of plant-based ingredients including quinoa, chickpeas, and abundant vegetables as the stars, while dairy (feta) plays a supporting role. The emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and fresh produce makes it a perfect primarily-plant-based meal.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, featuring quinoa (a gluten-free pseudograin) as the base along with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, herbs, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. It provides a safe and nutritious option for those avoiding gluten while delivering complete protein and essential nutrients.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is cardiovascular-protective with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, fiber-rich whole grains and legumes, and abundant antioxidant-rich vegetables. The plant-based protein sources, minimal saturated fat, and sodium-controlled fresh ingredients support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is exceptionally high in fiber, providing 8-10 grams per serving from quinoa, chickpeas, and abundant fresh vegetables with edible skins. The combination of whole grains, legumes, and fiber-rich vegetables supports digestive health while creating a satisfying and nutritionally complete meal.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense salad is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing sustained energy through complete plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber-rich vegetables. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide lasting satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating principles by offering a balanced, satisfying meal that honors both nutrition and taste pleasure without restriction or guilt. The variety of textures, colors, and flavors creates an enjoyable eating experience while providing nourishment from whole foods.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables and fruits, whole grains (quinoa), plant-based protein (chickpeas), and healthy fats from olive oil. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients with appropriate portions support sustainable weight loss and overall health without processed foods or excessive saturated fats.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean Diet dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil as the primary fat, abundant vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions), whole grains (quinoa), legumes (chickpeas), and fresh herbs. It emphasizes plant-based ingredients with moderate dairy (feta cheese) and uses lemon and herbs for flavoring rather than excessive salt, perfectly embodying Mediterranean eating principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet staples including whole grains (quinoa), leafy greens (parsley), vegetables, beans (chickpeas), nuts-like seeds, and olive oil as the primary fat. The antioxidant-rich vegetables and herbs combined with anti-inflammatory olive oil provide neuroprotective benefits while limiting cheese to a moderate amount.

Mindful Eating

This salad is ideal for mindful eating with its diverse textures (fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta), vibrant colors, and aromatic fresh herbs that engage multiple senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of each component.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe is plant-based compliant when the feta cheese is omitted, featuring only whole plant foods including quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It provides complete protein from the quinoa-chickpea combination while delivering fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the colorful array of vegetables and herbs.

Vegan Diet

This recipe becomes fully vegan by simply omitting the feta cheese, leaving a completely plant-based dish with protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas, abundant vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The combination provides all essential amino acids and is rich in fiber, iron, and plant-based nutrients.

Vegetarian Diet

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is perfectly vegetarian, containing no meat, poultry, or fish while providing complete protein from quinoa and chickpeas, plus dairy from feta cheese. The combination of plant-based proteins, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables creates a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meal.

Weight Watchers

This salad follows Weight Watchers principles with lean plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and controlled portions of healthy fats from olive oil. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients provide excellent satiety and nutritional value while supporting weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitter coating.

1 min
2
5 min

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3
15 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

4

Remove the quinoa from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool to room temperature.

10 min
5

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice the red onion.

5 min
6

Pit and halve the Kalamata olives, drain and rinse the chickpeas, and chop the fresh parsley and mint.

3 min
7

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.

2 min
8

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, and fresh herbs.

2 min
9

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

1 min
10

Add the crumbled feta cheese and gently fold it into the salad, being careful not to break up the cheese too much.

1 min
11

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions