Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

We love this Mediterranean quinoa salad because it has plant-based protein, bright and crunchy veggies, and salty kalamata olives that add a punch to each bite. 

Quinoa is a fantastic base for salads because it is a source of protein and holds up to the balsamic vinaigrette, preventing a soggy, lifeless salad. 

The ingredients in this salad are hearty and will make you feel full longer than a spring mix side salad.

You can top this salad with your protein of choice or top it with items like nuts and seeds as another way to add protein (and crunch) to this salad if you are following a plant-based diet. 

Although there is spinach in this recipe, the greens are not the star but an equal part of a balanced mix of ingredients.

We love salads that have even ratios of all ingredients so the salad doesn’t feel one-note.

This salad has texture, crunch, sweetness, and tang: a win all around!

We hope you enjoy it!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

We love this Mediterranean quinoa salad because it has plant-based protein, bright and crunchy veggies, and salty kalamata olives to add a punch to each bite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6

Calories 98 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Salad

• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 persian cucumbers, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped
• ¼ small red onion, chopped

Dressing

• 2.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

 

• Cook quinoa according to bag directions.
• Chop and add all veggies and quinoa in a large bowl.
  
• Mix all veggies and quinoa thoroughly.
  
• Combine all dressing ingredients and give it a thorough whisk with a fork.
  
• Pour dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
  

Notes

You can use any color quinoa or bell pepper in this recipe.

Olives are a healthy fat and a staple in the Mediterranean. We used kalamata in our salad but feel free to sub your preferred olive of choice. Not a fan of olives? A sharp and salty cheese like feta would be a good substitute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 personCalories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 97mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1214IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

Keyword kalamata olives, quinoa, tomatoes

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