Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed salad with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 cup kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 minced garlic clove. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a main dish or side, garnished with extra parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Most Irresistible Mediterranean Quinoa Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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