Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad has a refreshing, crisp, and wonderful taste. It's made with fresh vegetables including cucumber, tomatoes, and ripe avocado. The chickpeas festa cheese add protein to this salad.

The nutty flavor comes from the fluffy textured quinoa that is also known for its high nutritional value. It is rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals [Source: Healthline]. The pepperoncini add a punch of zesty picked pepper flavor. We dressed it with our easy homemade Lemon Vinaigrette and it came out amazing.

Not only is this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad packed with nutritious ingredients and loaded with flavor, it is also satisfying and a great option for those following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 1 cup quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced or cubed1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large ripe avocado, or two small avocados
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing: Lemon Vinaigrette

How to Make This Salad

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool completely.
2. Make the Refreshing Lemon Vinaigrette, set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, pepperoncini, parsley, and mint. Tos with Lemon Vinaigrette.
4. Optional: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Top the salad with avocado and fetta cheese before serving.
6. Enjoy the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish!

Why You Will Love This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese

There are several reasons why the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese is worth adding to your recipe repertoire.

1. Quinoa is a nutrient-rich grain that is high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It also has a low glycemic index, making it a great option for those watching their blood sugar levels.
2. The Mediterranean flavors in this salad are simply delicious. The combination of fresh vegetables and feta cheese with the lemony vinaigrette is a great blend of flavors and textures.
3. This salad is very easy to make and versatile. It can be a light lunch or serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes for a great potluck or picnic option, as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
4. This salad is also a great option for those following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet. It is packed with plant-based protein from the quinoa and feta cheese, and it is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Yield: 4 Servings

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad has a refreshing, crisp, and wonderful taste. It's made with fresh vegetables including cucumber, tomatoes, and ripe avocado. The chickpeas festa cheese add protein to this salad.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced or cubed1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large ripe avocado, or two small avocados
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and let cool completely.
2. Make the Refreshing Lemon Vinaigrette, set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, pepperoncini, parsley, and mint. Tos with Lemon Vinaigrette.
4. Optional: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Top the salad with avocado and fetta cheese before serving.
6. Enjoy the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 475Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 666mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 19gSugar: 13gProtein: 16g

Calories are estimated and may vary.

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