Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
An easy, make-ahead recipe for quinoa salad filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese that's perfect for a packable lunch.
Serves6 to 8
Prep20 minutes to 30 minutes
Cook15 minutes
I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle with the whole lunch thing. If I haven’t prepared anything at the start of the week (which, to be honest, is most weeks), I end up eating some version of eggs on toast all week long, lamenting the fact that I should have just carved out 20 minutes on Sunday to make something more exciting.
This is that something more exciting. This colorful quinoa salad holds up well in the fridge all week long, is perfectly packable, and has enough protein and other good things to keep you satisfied. It also doesn’t really take a whole lot of time to assemble, so now I really don’t have any excuse not to make it before the week gets underway.
A Light & Fresh Grain Salad That Satisfies
While many “light and fresh” salads leave you hungry in an hour, this one is different, all thanks to quinoa. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, both of which will keep you feeling satisfied. To prevent it from becoming clumpy or mushy when dressed, you’ll want to spread it out on a baking sheet after it’s done cooking and stick it in the fridge to cool for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This small step results in a far-superior grain salad.
I love flavorful aromatics like garlic and onion in grain salads, but I don’t love the stink they leave behind on my breath at lunch, which has a way of lingering throughout the afternoon. I’ve started to reach for garlic and herb goat cheese instead, which is readily available next to the logs of plain goat cheese at the grocery store. It lends just the right amount of flavor (with no trace of stink), and cuts down on an ingredient, so it’s a win-win.
Can You Cook the Quinoa In an Instant Pot?
Yes! If you’d like, you can cook the quinoa in the Instant Pot, refrigerate until cooled completely, then continue with the recipe.
Get the recipe: How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Quinoa
How Long Does the Quinoa Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
An easy, make-ahead recipe for quinoa salad filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese that's perfect for a packable lunch.
Prep time 20 minutes to 30 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Serves 6 to 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 1/2 cups
quinoa
- 2 3/4 cups
water
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1
large English cucumber
- 1 (12-ounce) jar
roasted red peppers
- 1 cup
pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup
coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 4 ounces
garlic and herb goat cheese
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons
olive oil
- 2 tablespoons
red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon
dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Place 1 1/2 cups quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse well. Place the quinoa, 2 3/4 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Transfer the quinoa to a rimmed baking sheet, spread into an even layer, and refrigerate until cooled completely, 10 to 15 minutes.
Make the dressing:
Place 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
Assemble the salad:
Chop 1 large English cucumber into rough 1/2-inch pieces, drain and coarsely chop 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, and coarsely chop 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives. Add everything to the bowl.
Add the cooled quinoa and toss to combine and evenly coat in the dressing.
Coarsely chop enough parsley leaves to get 1/2 cup and add to the bowl. Crumble 4 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese into the salad and toss again gently to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The salad can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.