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High-Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Close-up of a bright, colorful quinoa salad mixed with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
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Create this satisfying, protein-packed Mediterranean Quinoa Salad featuring chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It is an easy recipe perfect for healthy meal prep or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Combine quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid absorbs. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa cools, chop the tomatoes and cucumber, halve the olives, and chop the parsley.
  3. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and parsley.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Add cheese: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, if using.
  7. Serve or store: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This salad is excellent for meal prep and tastes better the next day.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
  • This salad holds up well for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making it a great choice for healthy meal prep lunches.
  • If you want a crunchier texture, add 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/quinoa-salad-high-protein-mediterranean-recipe/