This quick and easy side dish pairs the bold Mediterranean flavors of lime, Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley against the subtle backdrop of quinoa. For best results, you’ll want to make this dish in advance to give the flavors a chance to blend.
When it comes to meal prep this salad is one of my go-to recipes because of how simple it is to make and of course you can’t beat the flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Mediterranean-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe
Mediterranean-Inspired Quinoa Salad Ingredients:
- 1 c. quinoa, uncooked
- 2 limes, zest and juice
- 4 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 oz. Kalamata olives, chopped, with brine
- ¼ c. fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
I wanted to add a few of the products I use that make food prep easier and cut down on my kitchen time: (I've included my affiliate links so they're easier to find)
One of my go-to kitchen utensils for fresh citrus juice is my citrus squeezer, it is a simple to use and squeezes out every last drop of juice. The best part is the seeds don’t end up in your food.
For the quinoa, I use my rice cooker because I can make a big batch and not worry about timing. Quinoa and rice are on my prep list every week because they’re great to have on hand for side dishes, salads, or adding to a main dish.
Mediterranean-Inspired Quinoa Salad Directions:
- Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, Feta cheese, chopped olives, and fresh parsley until thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: For an added layer of flavor, toast the quinoa over medium heat before cooking.
Thanks to the naturally salty flavors of the olive brine and Feta cheese, this dish doesn’t need any added sodium to help balance the flavors. I like to make a batch and keep it in the fridge that way lunch is quick and easy all I have to do is throw some shredded chicken in my bowl and it makes the perfect meal.
Mediterranean-Inspired Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 c. quinoa uncooked
- 2 limes zest and juice
- 4 oz. Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 oz. Kalamata olives chopped, with brine
- ¼ c. fresh parsley stems removed and chopped
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, Feta cheese, chopped olives, and fresh parsley until thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.