Mediterranean Quinoa Delight
This Mediterranean Quinoa Delight is a vibrant and nutritious salad that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with fresh vegetables and zesty flavors. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a medley of colorful ingredients, this dish is perfect as a refreshing side or a light main course. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the vegetables and a salty tang from the feta cheese, making it an ideal addition to your summer meals or lunch prep. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or enjoy it as a satisfying meal any day of the week.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
2 cups (heating until boiling)
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
red pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
green pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
cucumber
1/2 cup (diced)
green onion
1/4 cup (diced)
black olives
1/4 cup (sliced or halved)
red onion
1/4 cup (diced)
reduced-fat feta cheese
3 ounces (crumbled)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing the chicken stock to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
2
Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, stir gently, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the quinoa to cool in a large mixing bowl for about 10-15 minutes.
5
While the quinoa is cooling, prepare your vegetables: dice the red and green peppers, cucumber, green onion, and red onion. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
6
Once the quinoa has cooled, gently fold in the prepared vegetables and feta cheese.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, basil, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper to create a refreshing dressing.
8
Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, and toss everything together gently until well combined.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning with more pepper or spices as desired.
10
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Quinoa Delight?
Mediterranean Quinoa Delight is a vibrant and nutritious salad that combines quinoa with fresh vegetables like peppers and cucumbers, finished with a zesty lemon and herb dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa takes about 15 minutes to simmer once the liquid has reached a boil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and all other listed ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I make this Mediterranean Quinoa Delight vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and use a dairy-free feta cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
What vegetables are required for this salad?
You will need red and green peppers, cucumber, green onion, red onion, and black olives.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chicken stock to cook 1 cup of quinoa.
Should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using rinsed quinoa to ensure the best texture and flavor.
How long should the quinoa cool before adding vegetables?
Allow the quinoa to cool in a large mixing bowl for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced or halved black olives.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I serve this dish warm?
While it is typically served chilled or at room temperature as a salad, it can be served immediately after mixing if you prefer it warm.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The peppers, cucumber, green onion, and red onion should all be diced into small pieces.
What kind of feta cheese is best?
The recipe suggests using 3 ounces of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe utilizes 15 distinct ingredients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for dried basil and dried oregano.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the chicken stock and feta cheese; additional seasoning is provided by black pepper.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Absolutely; grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp would make great additions to this Mediterranean base.
What should the heat setting be for the quinoa?
After the stock reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer the quinoa.
How do I know when the quinoa is done?
The quinoa is finished when all the liquid is absorbed and it appears fluffy.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, water can be used, though the quinoa will be less savory than when cooked in stock.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is versatile enough to be served as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of fresh minced garlic in the dressing.
How long should I chill it before serving?
Chilling for one hour in the fridge is recommended to allow the flavors to meld, though it can be served immediately.
Is this salad crunchy?
Yes, the fresh peppers and cucumbers provide a delightful crunch in every bite.
What size saucepan should I use?
A medium-sized saucepan is appropriate for cooking the 2 cups of liquid and 1 cup of quinoa.