Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A Symphony of Fresh Flavors

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about one lemon)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking the Quinoa

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This step removes the saponins, which can impart a bitter flavor to the quinoa.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Fluff and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. This will help the quinoa stay fluffy and prevent clumping.

Preparing the Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
2. Slice the Olives and Chop Herbs: Slice the Kalamata olives and chop the fresh parsley and mint. These ingredients add a burst of flavor and color to your salad.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix.

Making the Dressing

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
2. Season to Taste: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Bringing It All Together

1. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure that everything is well coated with the flavorful dressing.
2. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional fresh herbs or feta cheese, if desired.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The nutty quinoa pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and briny olives, all brought together by a zesty, lemony dressing. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a smart and tasty choice for a variety of occasions.

Enjoy the symphony of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!

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