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Mediterranean quinoa salad

Quinoa Salad Recipe

Quinoa Salad is a fresh, colourful and nutritious dish made with fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, creamy feta and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Perfect as a healthy lunch, light dinner or vibrant side dish, this easy recipe is naturally gluten-free, packed with plant-based protein and ideal for meal prep, picnics and family gatherings. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of fresh flavours, satisfying textures and wholesome goodness. 🥗✨
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Course light main, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 People
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for neatly chopping vegetables and fresh herbs into even pieces.
  • 1 Large Cutting Board  – Provides a safe, stable surface for all your preparation.
  • 1 Medium Saucepan With Lid – – Used to cook the quinoa until light, fluffy and tender.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl – Perfect for combining the cooked quinoa with all the fresh ingredients.
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl – Ideal for whisking together the homemade lemon dressing.
  • 1 Whisk or Fork: – Helps blend the dressing until smooth and well combined.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: – Makes folding the ingredients together easy without crushing the vegetables.
  • 1 Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent flavour.
  • 1 Serving Bowl or Platter - – Presents your Quinoa Salad beautifully for family meals or entertaining.

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ Cups Quinoa
  • 3 Cups Water
  • 1 Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 Large Cucumber - Diced
  • 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes - Halved
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper - Diced
  • ½ Small Red Onion - Finely Chopped
  • 2 Cups Baby Spinach - Chopped
  • ½ Cup Fresh Parsley - Chopped
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Mint - Chopped
  • ½ Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil – Extra Virgin
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Teaspoon Honey
  • 2 Garlic Cloves - Minced
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper To Taste
  • ¼ Cup Toasted Pumpkin Seeds or Pine Nuts

Instructions
 

Step 1: Rinse The Quinoa

  • Place the quinoa into a fine-mesh sieve.
  • Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about one minute.
  • This removes the natural coating that can leave a slightly bitter taste and helps your Quinoa Salad taste fresh and clean.

Step 2: Cook The Quinoa

  • Add the rinsed quinoa and water to a medium saucepan.
  • Stir in half of the salt.
  • Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover with the lid.
  • Simmer for 15–18 minutes until all the water has been absorbed.

Step 3: Cool The Quinoa

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  • Leave covered for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff gently with a fork.
  • Spread the cooked quinoa onto a tray or large plate.
  • Allow it to cool completely before assembling your Quinoa Salad to prevent the vegetables from becoming soft.

Step 4: Prepare The Vegetables

  • Dice the cucumber into bite-sized cubes.
  • Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  • Dice the red pepper evenly.
  • Finely chop the red onion.
  • Roughly chop the spinach.
  • Finely chop the parsley and mint.
  • Keeping the vegetables a similar size ensures every spoonful of Quinoa Salad contains the perfect balance of flavours.

Step 5: Make The Dressing

    In a small bowl, combine:

    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • Dijon mustard
    • Honey
    • Minced garlic
    • Remaining salt
    • Black pepper
    • Whisk continuously until the dressing becomes smooth, glossy and fully emulsified.

    Step 6: Assemble The Quinoa Salad

      In a large mixing bowl:

      • Add the cooled quinoa.
      • Add cucumber.
      • Add tomatoes.
      • Add red pepper.
      • Add spinach.
      • Add parsley.
      • Add mint.
      • Pour the dressing evenly over everything.
      • Using a large spoon or spatula:
      • Fold gently.
      • Avoid over-mixing.
      • Ensure every grain of quinoa becomes coated with the fresh dressing.

      Step 7: Add The Final Ingredients

      • Sprinkle over the crumbled feta.
      • Add the toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts.
      • Fold gently once more to distribute everything evenly.
      • These finishing touches give Quinoa Salad wonderful texture and richness.

      Step 8: Chill Before Serving

      • Refrigerate the Quinoa Salad for 20–30 minutes.
      • This allows the dressing to soak into the quinoa while the flavours blend beautifully.
      • Garnish with additional herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.

      Notes

      • 🥗 Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating and ensure a clean, mild flavour.
      • ❄️ Allow the cooked quinoa to cool completely before mixing with the vegetables to keep the Quinoa Salad fresh and crisp.
      • 🍋 Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most refreshing dressing.
      • 🌿 Fresh herbs make a big difference, so use fresh parsley and mint rather than dried for the best flavour.
      • 🧂 Season gradually and taste as you go, especially if using feta, as it already adds saltiness.
      • 🥣 Prepare the salad in advance and chill it for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld together beautifully.
      • 🥑 Customise your Quinoa Salad by adding avocado, grilled chicken, chickpeas, prawns or roasted vegetables to suit your taste.
      • 📦 Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well and refresh with a little lemon juice and olive oil before serving.
      • 🚫 Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture once thawed.
      • 🍽️ Serve chilled or at room temperature for the freshest flavour and the best overall texture.
      Keyword Quinoa Salad