Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (w/ Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette)

Naomi Cook
by Naomi Cook
4 people
15 min

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette! This delicious vegetarian salad is great for an easy lunch or dinner. It includes things like sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives, which make for the perfect bite. This recipe also features an easy and healthy vinaigrette that takes just minutes to make.

Recipe Features:


  • Salad packed with Mediterranean flare
  • Is a great vegetarian option
  • Is rich in protein
  • A healthy, homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette
  • You can enjoy this salad as a main dish or as a side salad


Health Benefits:

Did you know???


  • Arugula – Is rich in antioxidants.
  • Quinoa – This carbohydrate is rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals. Quinoa is a great plant-based protein option for vegetarians and vegans.
  • Garbanzo Beans – These beans add extra protein and fiber.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Is a healthy fat.

Ingredient Notes:


  • Prep – You can cook the quinoa in advance, then prep all the other ingredients and store them in individual containers until you’re ready to assemble. (If you are interested, below the recipe card, I share a link to my favorite glass containers).
  • Quinoa – A serving size is 1/4 cup of dry quinoa. So, for a family of four, that is a total of 1 cup. However, if that is too much, just cut it by half. (FYI: I do cut it in half in my recipe card).
  • Greens – I use arugula, but you could use spinach or a combo of the two as well.
  • Tomatoes – Either sundried tomatoes or mini fresh tomatoes will work here. I love the taste and texture of the sundried though.
  • Kalamata Olives – I use these olives because of their nice briny bite.
  • Dried Thyme & Rosemary – These herbs provide great earthiness and flavor to the dressing, and pair so well together. Please don’t skip this part.
  • Pro Tip: Rub these herbs in between your fingers to release the oils and mellow the herbs.
  • Vinaigrette – This dressing can be prepared in advance. If so, remove from the fridge and let it sit out on the counter for awhile before using. This just allows it to come to room temperature, which makes it easier to mix up again.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is hearty, yet light and delicious! Be sure to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.


And, for more salad recipes, please give these a try:


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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (w/ Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette)
Recipe details
  • 4  people
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 0 Minutes Total time: 15 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 5 oz box Organic Baby Arugula
  • 1/2 cup Ancient Harvest Traditional Quinoa, cooked
  • 1 can Garbanzo Beans, drained and washed (use about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 English Cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup California Sun Dry Sun-dried Tomatoes, Julienne Cut with Herbs, drained and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup Reese Quartered Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and patted dry, roughly chopped
  • 16 Mezzetta Kalamata Olives (4 per person)
  • Optional: Feta Cheese, for sprinkling
  • LEMON-HERB VINAIGREETTE:
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality)
  • 1/2 large Lemon, freshly squeezed juice
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt
  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Parsley
Instructions

Make the quinoa. Add 1/2 cup quinoa + 1 cup water to a small pot and cook according to package directions.
While the quinoa cooks, prep all the other ingredients and set aside.
Prepare the salad dressing. Add all the ingredients to a mason jar or a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake until well combined.
Make the salad. Toss all the salad components into one large serving bowl, minus the dressing, or divide up into four small individual bowls.
Drizzle the salad dressing over top right before serving.
Tips
  • Cook Time: The cook time is included in the prep time.
Naomi Cook
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