Get ready to transform your summer dining with a mouthwatering dish that's about to become your go-to recipe! This Ultimate Summer Quinoa Salad is not just another boring salad – it's a flavor-packed, nutritious explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Perfect for hot days, picnics, or when you want a light yet satisfying meal that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum taste!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and pit the Kalamata olives if not pre-pitted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and pitted olives. Gently toss the vegetables together to mix them evenly.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add the fluffed quinoa to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Stir gently to combine everything without mashing the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure the dressing and feta are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve the Ultimate Summer Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or a light main course!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can make the grain taste bitter.
- Use a fork to fluff quinoa after cooking to keep the grains separate and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
- For extra freshness, use room temperature ingredients and serve the salad slightly chilled.
- Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or additional herbs like fresh basil or mint.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- For best texture, add feta and dressing just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 8mg
