Imagine a burst of sunshine on your plate - a vibrant, refreshing salad that transports you to the azure coastlines of the Mediterranean with every single bite. This Mediterranean Citrus Grain Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines the hearty nutrition of quinoa with the bright, zesty flavors of fresh citrus and herbs. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and adventurous home chefs, this dish promises to elevate your meal game and leave your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
- While quinoa is cooling, carefully segment the orange and grapefruit, catching any excess juice. Cut segments into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add segmented citrus, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Allow quinoa to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting of fresh herbs and maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Citrus Segmenting Hack: Use a sharp knife to carefully remove citrus segments for a clean, professional look and to capture maximum juice.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully integrate with the ingredients.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or swap feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest herbs and citrus fruits you can find to maximize the salad's vibrant taste and nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
