Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
Enjoy a flavor-packed salad with whole food plant based ingredients. Great for weeknight meals, potlucks, and picnics.
Servings: 4
Calories: 397kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 15- ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 pint of plum grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, okay to substitute pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
- ¾ cup lemon vinaigrette dressing (or oil-free Greek dressing)
- 6 cups mixed baby greens
- Optional add-ons: vegan feta cheese, artichokes, green onion
Instructions
- Make ahead: Cooked and cooled quinoa. Check out how to cook quinoa with step-by-step instructions for preparing it in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature for the best texture.
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette dressing according to recipe instructions. It takes about 5 minutes to make. Set aside.
- Chop all your fresh vegetables and add them to a large mixing bowl with pitted olives, cooked and cooled quinoa and drained, rinsed chickpeas. Stir to combine.
- Pour lemon vinaigrette dressing over the salad and stir well to combine.
- To serve, layer the Mediterranean quinoa salad over mixed greens, and top with optional homemade vegan feta, if using. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Be sure to use pitted kalamata olives. Chopping olives is optional.
- Add air fryer tofu or air fryer tempeh for a protein boost.
- Serve with pita bread and garlic hummus for a full Mediterranean meal.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or top with fresh herbs like mint or dill for a refreshing twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep salad greens separate to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 1049mg | Potassium: 983mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3868IU | Vitamin C: 119mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 5mg
