Description
Summer is the ideal season for light and refreshing meals, and our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a perfect example. Bursting with vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad combines protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Tossed in a zesty dressing of lemon, olive oil, and basil, this dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a casual meal at home, this salad is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful summer experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained, 15 ounces)
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (cut in half)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- The juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh colander. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and ½ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. Let it rest covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Chop the vegetables: red onion, cucumber, yellow bell pepper; halve the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives; rinse chickpeas.
- For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with all chopped vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle with dressing and mix well.
- Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving it chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg