A month ago I went dining with one of my girls at a local Mediterranean restaurant. This place is great if you are in the mood for great hummus, crispy falafel and wine – lots of it! (Free wine for ladies on Wednesday, can’t beat that!) I like to try one new dish each time I go and my friend raved about their quinoa salad. I typically eat quinoa hot (cheesy quinoa-yes please) so I was all about trying. It was cool, full of flavor and packed with fresh veggies. Tossed with just a simple dressing of lemon and olive oil, I knew I had to try and recreate it at home….and of course add my own twists to it.
My husband typically hates when I try new things that are a stretch to what I normally make. Either a hit or major kitchen fail. Believe me, I’ve had plenty dishes that I’ve had to throw out as soon as we sat down to eat it. Thank freakin’ god this came out a winner! Perfect for a side to chicken gyros or for a quick lunch on the go.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup Quinoa, cleaned
- 2 cups, Stock (chicken or veggie)
- 1/4 cup Tomato, chopped (I used grape tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup Cucumber, chopped in bite sized pieces
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, diced
- 5-6 Mini Peppers, chopped in bite sized pieces (or use a whole bell pepper, red, yellow and/or green)
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil (you may not need all of it..)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cook quinoa in the stock for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff it with a fork to check. Once it is cooked, place in a dish to cool then place in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes or until its thoroughly chilled.
In a mixing bowl, add all the chopped veggies – tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and peppers. Once the quinoa has been chilled, add that to the veggies and give it a good mix. Add lemon juice, parsley and some of the olive oil. Toss the quinoa mixture again well – make sure everything is combined. Taste to see if it needs more olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Adjust as needed.
Just before you are about to serve, toss in the Feta cheese. You can chill the mixture or serve it right when you are done! Its great left over too 
Enjoy this meatless creation! Do you have a meatless recipe to share with us? I’d love to hear!!!
– Amanda
