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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with spinach, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and lemon vinaigrette - a healthy vegetarian meal or side dish!
Servings: 6 Servings

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

4.20 from 5 votes
Nutritious easy quinoa salad loaded with Mediterranean goodies like sun-dried tomatoes and feta makes for an incredible side dish!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry quinoa
  • 2.5 ounces baby spinach
  • 1/2 large red onion chopped
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut, drained
  • 1 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to taste
  • 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  • Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Use a larger pot than necessary so that you have room to add spinach once the quinoa is finished cooking. (note: the key to a great quinoa is rinsing it very well and/or soaking it before cooking!)
  • While the quinoa is cooking, sauté the red onion over medium heat in a couple teaspoons of olive oil, until it is completely soft and golden-brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
  • Once the quinoa has finished cooking, immediately remove it from the heat and add the baby spinach to the pot. Place the cover back on to help steam the spinach. Allow the spinach to soften about 5 minutes and then stir it in to the quinoa.
  • Transfer the quinoa and spinach, sautéed onions, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to a large serving bowl.
  • Pour the oil/vinegar/lemon dressing and sea salt over the salad and toss everything together until coated. Taste the salad for flavor, and add more sea salt and/or lemon juice to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6, Calories: 458kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 25g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 8g
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: gluten free, Mediterranean quinoa salad, Mediterranean recipes, quinoa is gluten-free, quinoa salad recipe, vegetarian
Author: Julia