Mediterranean Quinoa
Mediterranean quinoa is a fresh, healthy vegetarian recipe that’s ready in less than an hour! Filled with chopped veggies and fresh herbs, pair this easy quinoa salad with your favorite chicken or seafood recipe for a delicious weeknight meal.
Looking for more quinoa recipes? Try my Healthy Mexican Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers, Tomato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad or my Chopped Kale Quinoa and Avocado Salad!
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Mediterranean quinoa
There is so much to love about quinoa. It has a nice, nutty flavor, it’s healthier than other grains like pasta or white rice, and it’s incredibly easy to make. I like to meal prep with quinoa and pair it with leftover chicken and veggies to enjoy throughout the week.
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is one of my go-to quinoa recipes. Make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week — it’s healthy and easy to customize, so it never gets boring!
If you’re looking to add a little more flavor to this simple quinoa salad, you can always add a few of your favorite herbs or tailor your spices to perfection.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: Perfect for anyone on the Mediterranean diet, quinoa is a whole grain that has been minimally processed, like brown rice. If needed, you can substitute brown rice, roasted cauliflower or couscous.
- Veggies: This delicious Mediterranean quinoa dish just wouldn’t be complete without delicious chopped veggies! Some of my favorites include red onion, an English cucumber, tomatoes and Kalamata olives.
- Liquids: I used vegetable broth, sesame oil and lemon juice at various stages of this recipe.
- Seasonings: You will also need your favorite seasonings, including garlic powder, lemon zest, butter, salt and pepper.
How to make Mediterranean quinoa
- Cook: First add the quinoa to a medium saucepan, along with butter, salt and vegetable broth. Next bring to a boil, cover then reduce to a simmer. Now cook the quinoa for approximately 20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed. Then fluff the quinoa and let it cool slightly.
- Season: While the quinoa is cooking, add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl. Then when the quinoa is finished, toss the quinoa into the salad mixture. Additionally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy: Finally, serve immediately with your favorite protein or keep it vegetarian and enjoy on its own!
Tips for making the perfect Mediterranean quinoa
- Customize your recipe: If you want to keep things simple, all your quinoa needs is a little bit of olive oil and garlic to really taste great. However, if you want to add extra flavors to your dish, you can add some fresh herbs and spices or even a little bit of your favorite cheese.
- Add fresh herbs: I always love to add whatever fresh herbs I have in the kitchen to any quinoa recipes, like basil, thyme, a bit of red pepper or oregano. Because quinoa has a naturally nutty taste, the herbs add just the right amount of freshness to the dish.
- Meal prep: Mediterranean quinoa is the perfect meal prep or make ahead recipe! Toss together and add chicken or another protein to make a quick, easy and healthy weeknight meal. I like to make a little more than I need so I can enjoy the next day, as well!
Storage and leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean quinoa will last in the fridge for up to a 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Here are more easy quinoa recipes to try!
- Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
- Greek Kale Quinoa Salad
- Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake
- Shrimp Quinoa Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Mushroom Shallot Garlic Quinoa
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Mediterranean Quinoa
Filled with chopped veggies and fresh herbs, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is a fresh, healthy recipe that's ready in less than an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- ½ large English cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add quinoa to a medium saucepan along with butter, salt and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and all of the liquid is absorbed. Fluff and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl and toss in quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Recipe Notes
- Customize your recipe: If you want to keep things simple, all your quinoa needs is a little bit of olive oil and garlic to really taste great. However, if you want to add extra flavors to your dish, you can add some fresh herbs and spices or even a little bit of your favorite cheese.
- Add fresh herbs: I always love to add whatever fresh herbs I have in the kitchen to any quinoa recipes, like basil, thyme, a bit of red pepper or oregano. Because quinoa has a naturally nutty taste, the herbs add just the right amount of freshness to the dish.
- Meal prep: Mediterranean quinoa is the perfect meal prep or make ahead recipe! Toss together and add chicken or another protein to make a quick, easy and healthy weeknight meal. I like to make a little more than I need so I can enjoy the next day, as well!
