Mediterranean Style Rainbow Quinoa Salad
A simple combination of classic Mediterranean flavors, studded with creamy avocado and chunks of feta cheese. Gently seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice.
Mediterranean Style Rainbow Quinoa Salad
And I’m sorry to admit I did not cook anything, besides this Mediterranean Style Rainbow Quinoa Salad.
I decided to just take a break away from the kitchen (eat out…) , which was ok, but this week I’m planning to try more summer recipes.
Everyone knows of my love for quinoa.
It is time for another quick and easy quinoa recipe. Greek/Mediterranean salads are my favorite and I love adding different ingredients to them al the time.
And quinoa is one of my go to ingredients, when it comes to making nutritious salads.
The reason why I added avocado to this salad is because of its creamy texture, which worked great.
Parsley is optional, but by adding it that taste of this salad reminds me of a popular Bulgarian Shopska Salad.
You may skip the parsley if you’d like.
This salad could be made with white quinoa, but this time I used rainbow quinoa.
Crunchy cucumbers, red onions, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, yellow bell peppers, creamy avocado, salty feta and rainbow quinoa – that’s what makes this superfood perfect!
This Mediterranean Style Quinoa Salad could be made 1-2 days in advance and kept in an air tight container in the fridge, until ready to eat. Just add the dressing and enjoy!
It is so colorful, the perfect addition to your summer barbecue.
Quinoa Salad
Make sure you try this protein rich, vegan and gluten-free Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad from Foolproof Living.
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE RAINBOW QUINOA SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rainbow quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes — , cut in half
- 5 Persian cucumbers — , cut into small rounds
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper — , chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 ripe avocado — , peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley — (optional)
- juice from 1/2 large lemon — (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a medium sauce pan bring rinsed quinoa and 1 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Cook quinoa for about 10 minutes, so it is not completely cooked, (al dente quinoa is perfect for salads). Fluff with fork, let it cool to room temperature.
-
Combine all ingredients for the salad in a large bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. Serve.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 364, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 246mg, Potassium: 780mg, Carbohydrates: 38g, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 3g, Protein: 9g, Vitamin A: 725%, Vitamin C: 70%, Calcium: 96%, Iron: 2.7%More Quinoa Recipes:
Quinoa Salad With Snap Peas Radishes And Carrots
This salad is SO bright and delicious!! I am loving all the flavors in it. Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite 🙂 Pinning!
Thanks Ceara!
This really does look like my perfect salad. Bright and fresh and full of lots of different ingredients. Sharing on twiiter!
Thanks for sharing Dannii!
I’m glad you took it easy this weekend! We all deserve some down time. And you do such creative things with quinoa! This one looks like another winner!
Thanks Mir!
Oh I love the colors and flavors of this dish, Mira! Mediterranean is one of my favorite flavors, so adding it to quinoa seems just perfect! Pinned!
Thanks for pinning Gayle!
I am loving all the pretty fresh colors going on in this salad! And I am just crazy about kalamata olives. They just make the whole salad for me!
So glad you like it Renee!
Mira, I probably love quinoa as much as you do. . love love love this vibrant, gorgeous bowl!!! love the mediterranean flavors!!! yummmm!!!
I totally agree! We love very similar dishes Alice!
Bookmarking for my Memorial Day weekend!
Thanks so much Sarah!
Love how colorful this salad is, Mira! The mediterranean flavors sound amazing!!
Thanks so much Jen!!!
This looks soooo delicious! What a perfect, healthy salad. I love the colours of the ingredients you used, and nothing beats mediterranean food! I will definitely have to make this. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe 🙂
Thanks so much stopping by!
As much as I love to cook, it is great to take a break on the weekends sometimes. I love this fresh and vibrant salad. It is perfect for summer picnics!
Thanks Ashley!
good that you took a break over the weekend, it is so important! Love the salad Mira, looks perfect for summers! Pinned!
Thanks Manali!
Seriously drooling over these beautiful pics! I make a very similar salad with faro but definitely need to try your version!
I’m making this for LUNCH TODAY!! Because of you, I popped a big bag of quinoa in my trolley and I was wondering what to make with it. I have everything I need for this! Hurrah!
I knew you were gonna like the recipe Nagi 🙂 Hope you got to make it 🙂
Mira, one in a while, break is MUST! Me too did nothing this weekend 🙂 Salad looks very colorful! perfect for summer lunch! One more way to eat quinoa for me 🙂 pinning to try later.
Thanks Savita!
This is beautiful! Pinning 🙂
Thanks Medha!
This is such a bright and gorgeous salad! Love that you added avocado too, it makes everything so much creamier and delicious!
Thanks Danielle!
de-lish! I love new ways to spruce up quinoa! this looks perfect!
I’m not normally a big fan quinoa but Mira this salad looks gorgeous and delicious!! Love all the vibrant colors. Also you need a break every once in a while. Glad you got to relax! Pinning!!
All of my favorite foods have been married in this dish, Mira! Guess what’s for dinner later this week! 😀
Hope you like it Erin!
I’ve been all about eating healthy salads like this lately. Seeing how colorful this is just makes me happy!
Thanks Joanne!
So glad you took a break over the weekend. Love this salad that you are sharing. It’s gorgeous and I love the flavors!
Мире, това е страхотна салата, много ми харесва, особено момента с киноата! Жестоки снимки! Прегръдка от Варна и морето!
Много ти благодаря! Малко е като нашата шопска салата, но и с киноа! Поздрави от Чикаго!
This looks wonderful and so colorful! Perfect for spring!
I love all your quinoa recipes, Mira! Of course, this one looks great too! I love that you added avocado too. And good for you for taking a weekend of relaxation!
Who wants to be in the kitchen when the weather is warm and gorgeous? I didn’t cook much either last weekend Mira. 🙂 This is a beautiful salad, and your pictures are stunning.
Loved this vibrant looking delicious salad. Looks fabulous!
So PRETTY!! I love, love, love your addition of avocado to this salad, such an awesome way to mix it up a bit. Have a wonderful holiday weekend 🙂
I’m starting to think you need to write a cookbook devoted entirely to quinoa! This quinoa salad is sooo beautiful! Love all of those pretty colors! Pinned!
Wow, the salad photos look so beautiful and colorful! Totally perfect spring-summer dish. Don’t feel bad about eating out too much when you can make things like this 🙂
Thanks Allie! I finally got to use my new camera for these pictures 🙂
I can always count on you for stunning salads, Mira! This looks so delicious.
My favourite kind of salad, Mira! I really like quinoa, too, and I really like Greek salads, so what a great idea to combine the two. It doesn’t hurt that it’s so colourful, too! 🙂
You are seriously winning when it comes to gorgeous summer salads! This is awesome. I’m loving the mediterranean flavors in this. Parsley should be mandatory! 😉
Mira, these are some of the best salad photos ever! Bright, colorful, and just gorgeous! I love all Mediterranean food and wish I had a big bowl right now!
What a delightful salad you created Mira! It’s a feast of textures, colours and flavours that I would love to try. Another compulsory pin!