MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD

This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is loaded with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, purple onion, red bell peppers, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and lots of fresh basil.  It makes a delicious light lunch or side salad to serve at barbecues and potlucks. 

Even if you aren’t fond of quioa, I really hope you give this easy quinoa salad recipe a try.  It’s loaded with such a great combo of flavors and nutritional perks.  I think it just might change your mind about things.

MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD RECIPE
This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is loaded with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, purple onion, red bell peppers, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and lots of fresh basil. It makes a delicious light lunch or side salad to serve at barbecues and potlucks.



INGREDIENTS

•  1 cup uncooked quinoa
•  2 cups water
•  1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
•  1 large red pepper, chopped
•  1/4 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
•  12-14 heirloom or regular cherry tomatoes
•  1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
•  1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
•  12 - 14 kalamata olives
•  1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
•  1/2 cup vinaigrette
•  1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
•  1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
•  1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
•  1 garlic clove, crushed and minced
•  1/2 teaspoon sea salt
•  1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the quinoa in a sieve and rinse under cold water for just a minute.
2. Place the quinoa in a saucepan with 2 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 15 - 18 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let set in the pan for about 5 minutes then fluff with a fork or spoon.
5. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl or cookie sheet covered with wax paper and place in the refrigerator to cool.
6. Place all of the prepared ingredients and the cooled quinoa in a large bowl.
7. Add the vinaigrette and lightly toss to incorporate.
8. Chill before serving. Serve with extra vinaigrette if desired.

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE

1. Place all of the ingredients in a mason jar. With the lid tightly sealed, shake until the ingredients are completely blended together.

Recipe Adapted : MEDITERRANEAN QUINOA SALAD @ theharvestkitchen

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