Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad
I’ve been trying to incorporate as many salads or fresh ingredients into my meals as I can. And this vibrant Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad is an excellent way to do that. It’s got a nice crunch from the carrots and purple cabbage and a little saltiness from the kalamata olives and feta cheese. And let me tell you…it’s so good!
If feta cheese is not your thing, then feel free to omit it or use vegan feta cheese. Also, I like to make a simple vinaigrette for this salad, but a store-bought Greek or even Italian vinaigrette could work just as easily.
Don’t have these ingredients exactly? Then use what you’ve got on hand and make it your own. I typically like to serve this with baked or grilled salmon (or another protein) or things like a small Greek salad, hummus, and/or pita bread. You get the picture. Now, this salad comes together rather easily and I did a short reel on Instagram on how to make. So, if you’d like to see it assembled, click here. Enjoy!
Similar to my cookbook, you can freestyle this salad and make it your own in different ways.
Here’s a few ways to freestyle this recipe:
- add cannellini beans, chickpeas, navy beans, or Great Northern beans
- use millet instead of quinoa
- add fresh greens such as arugula, spinach, or kale
Here are some other ideas to consider:
- add the salad mixture into wraps
- serve with or stuff the salad into warm pita pockets
Are there ways to veganize this recipe???
Sure. Simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta cheese.
Looking for other great salad ideas? Give these delicious recipes a try!
- Mediterranean Inspired Couscous Salad
- Autumn Lentil Salad
- Curried Couscous Salad
- Summery Peach Salad
Join me on my social channels and please don’t forget to take pictures and tag me #supperwithmichelle and @supperwithmichelle, if you make any of my recipes! I absolutely love to see all of your creations. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube, or Pinterest! As always, I love when you share your reviews in the comments below, and if you have any fun substitutions or additions, let me know how it worked out below too!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope that you enjoy my Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad The full printable recipe is below. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For the simple vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- ¾ cup quinoa, about 2 ¼ cup cooked and then cooled
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
- ½ cup purple cabbage, roughly chopped small
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 scallions, sliced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- large bowl
- Small Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Medium Sauce Pan
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
- In a medium sauce pan, cook the quinoa per the instructions on the package. Set to the side to cool once done.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, add the ingredients for the vinaigrette and whisk until combined.
Make the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the quinoa and the rest of the ingredients for the salad into the bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and lightly give it a toss. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve and enjoy.
