This Mediterranean quinoa salad is delicious and easy to make. It's packed with vegetables and tossed in a tangy lemon-herb dressing.
If you're looking for a salad that's not only filling and hearty but also tastes great the next day (because let's be honest, most of us don't have the time to make three meals a day even if we wanted to), this Mediterranean quinoa salad will amaze you. It's nourishing and packed with Mediterranean flavor - hello cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onions, and so much more.
The fresh herbs boost the flavor, while the lemon herb dressing adds tanginess and more flavor. This salad has become a staple in my kitchen and one I find myself coming back to again and again.
How to Cook the Quinoa
The quinoa creates the base of this Mediterranean quinoa salad. It's easy, filling, and tastes great with almost anything. It's convenient to make a big batch and add to salads, soups, bowls, and other dishes.
While I love quinoa today, it took a while for me to get it right. When I first started cooking quinoa, it would always overcook (not enough water) or come out too watery. It was only after a few times of making it that I realized the temperature I was cooking it at was too high, or I wasn't cooking it long enough.
So if you're new to cooking quinoa, here are a few pointers:
- Always rinse the quinoa with water for a couple of minutes. Rinsing the quinoa removes its natural coating (called saponin), which makes it taste bitter or appear soapy.
- Make sure you're adding enough water when cooking. One cup of uncooked quinoa requires two cups of water.
- You want to bring the water and quinoa to a boil and then lower the heat and let it simmer for a good 15-20 minutes before turning off the heat.
- Before you store the quinoa, be sure to let it completely cool down.
And if you really want to go in-depth, check out my post on how to cook the perfect quinoa. And if you have an Instant Pot, check out my Instant Pot Quinoa recipe instead!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with a Lemon Herb Dressing
The lemon herb dressing for this Mediterranean quinoa salad takes a few minutes to make. It's made with easy ingredients (lemon, mint, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper). It's so delicious, I use it for a variety of my salads and bowls. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so I usually double up on the ingredients and make extras.
Make ahead and store for later
This salad is a great candidate for weekday lunches and easy make-ahead dinners, as it tastes great the next day. Serve chilled or slightly warm. I enjoy prepping the grains ahead of time so it’s quick to pull together.
If you do decide to prepare this in advance, be sure to hold off on adding the avocado and dressing until it’s time to eat to avoid browning and a mushy texture.
This salad can be stored in a glass air-tight container for a few days.
★★★★★
"I love this recipe so much. I've been making it for meal prep the last three weeks and it's become a new favorite."
Kylie
Ingredients
Lemon-Mint Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mint, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup snap peas, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup diced red pepper
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix.
- Prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, vegetables, and remaining ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss the salad. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
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Jen says
SO good! Made this to have for lunch through the week, and was not disappointed. I added cucumber and feta - simple, fresh and tasty! Thanks for the recipe.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad you enjoyed it, Jen! Thanks for your feedback.
Danielle says
As good as a Medeterranean salad gets - delicious, healthy and colorful - can't wait to try your recipe!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Danielle!
Jessica says
This is my kind of salad! We had it for lunch today and it was absolutely delicious!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Jessica!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
This salad looks perfect for a tasty summer lunch! I find it hard to want to eat in the heat so a light lunch like this is perfect.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Bintu!
Caroline says
I love quinoa salads for summer as they are a nice balance of being light but still filling you up. Love the sound of the dressing here and looks tasty.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Caroline!
Hannah W says
Love this recipe! Thank you!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Hannah!
Kylie says
I love this recipe so much. I've been making it for meal prep the last three weeks and it's become a new favorite.
Sapana Chandra says
So glad to hear! Thank you for sharing, Kylie!