Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Description

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish packed with vibrant flavors. It combines protein-rich quinoa with colorful vegetables, tangy olives, and refreshing herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It's a perfect option for a quick and easy lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (GI: 53)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (GI: 0)
• 1 small cucumber, diced (GI: 15)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (GI: 15)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (GI: 15)
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (GI: 10)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (GI: 20)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (GI: 5)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped (GI: 5)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (GI: 0)
• Juice of 1 lemon (GI: 25)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Flavor Profile

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad offers a harmonious blend of fresh and tangy flavors. The quinoa provides a nutty and slightly earthy taste, while the cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch. The combination of Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint adds a burst of brightness to the dish. The dressing made with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice ties everything together with its zesty and tangy notes.

Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts