Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is a vibrant, healthy dish packed with roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, crunchy cucumbers, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, making it perfect for meal prep lunch or a flavorful dinner side. Roasting the tomatoes in advance enhances their sweetness and depth, while pine nuts and roasted chickpeas add delightful crunch and protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 recipe Roasted Tomatoes (approximately 1.5 cups roasted cherry tomatoes)
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup sliced Persian cucumbers
- 1 cup mixed fresh basil and mint leaves
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas
Dressing
- 1 recipe Italian Dressing (approximately ½ cup)
- 2 additional garlic cloves, grated
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked quinoa, roasted tomatoes, arugula, sliced Persian cucumbers, mixed fresh basil and mint leaves, crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, diced red onion, and toasted pine nuts.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle half of the Italian dressing mixed with grated garlic over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad: Sprinkle sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a few pinches of red pepper flakes onto the salad. Toss again to distribute the seasonings thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and add more dressing if desired to enhance the flavors. Top the salad with roasted chickpeas for added texture and protein, then serve immediately.
Notes
- The quinoa and roasted tomatoes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese.
