Recipe

Judys Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Add Step-by-Step Photos	Linda2230 / All my dishes 9 months ago This is a delicious healthy salad. It contains quinoa which is a complete protein that is an excellent source of Iron and Phosphorus; and, a good source of Fiber and Riboflavin. It also is rich with vegetables, herbs, fruit and pine nuts. It is a ... More Prep:30m Cook:20m Servings:18	Linda2230
	mediterranean quinoa salad healthy grain

Quinoa

Cooked Quinoa

Other Ingredients

Basil Tomato Feta Ch

Duplicate

Add Photos

Does this look good? Yeah! / Nope

Fans

momo_55gra

lunasea

mbeards2

jimrug1

waterlily

fizzle3nat

juels

peetabear

Ingredients

1 14 oz. package Quinoa

1 ½ quart water

4 large cloves garlic, crushed

½ cup green onions, chopped

¾ cup carrots, diced small

½ cup celery, chopped small (include the tops, adds additional flavor)

3 tbls fresh mint, chopped

2 tbls cilantro, chopped

1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2 cups Arugula

Zest from 2 large lemons

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 large lemons)

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup toasted pine nuts

1 cup dried cranberries

½ cup black olives, pitted

½ cup crumbled feta cheese (I used the basil and tomato flavored feta)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

NOTE: This recipe serves 18 if you are serving a 1/3 cup of this salad as a side dish.

Directions

Rinse quinoa thoroughly by running fresh water over the quinoa in a pot and draining. “Rinsing is recommended to wash away any naturally occurring bitter tasting saponins remaining after processing.*” Place quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until all of the water is absorbed (10-15 mins.). When done, the grains will be translucent and the outer germ layer will separate. You will end up with approximately 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

Add the lemon zest while the quinoa is still warm, this will enhance the flavor of the natural oils from the lemon zest. Let quinoa cool to room temperature, then transfer to a serving bowl.

After quinoa has cooled to room temp, mix in the garlic and scallions thoroughly, then add the remaining chopped herbs, vegetables, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts. Finally, mix in the feta cheese and kalamata olives and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop.

“*Saponins are soap-like substances that occur on the outside of the quinoa grains. It is believed they are put there by nature to deter insects and birds.” “Quinoa was a staple a staple of the ancient Incas and means” the mother grain”. It’s high in iron and has a distinctive flavor and fluffy texture. You can use it in casseroles, pilafs, salads and in baking recipes. Have fun creating your own recipes with this wonderful grain. Judy

Recent Gawkers

palermo

grk

lor

marlenje

lilymoon

vanislan

moroccan

britters

rtottosy

persepho

notyourm

lunasea

Not quite what you're looking for? See more Side Dishes / Vegetable Dishes

Or see more just like this

Comments

juels 9 months ago said:
I love this salad! It's calling my name! Great spices and ingredients here, thanks!

momo_55grandma 9 months ago said:
Wondeful salad thanks high5

fizzle3nat 9 months ago said:
I love quinoa and am always trying to find new ways to use it. I love the ingredients in this salad and it looks so pretty in your picture. I am saving this one and hope to try it in the future. Thanks for sharing! - Natalie

peetabear 9 months ago said:
I am new to quinoa... and being gluten free .. this is one of the grains that I can have... the recipe looks and sounds good... your directions and photos are great... five forks

lunasea 8 months, 2 weeks ago said:
What a wonderful, healthy and beautiful salad, Judykins. I have really gotten into quinoa in the past few years and always love finding a new recipe to use it. This is a textural and flavorful salad dream. Saving to try - thank you! ;-) ~Vickie

jimrug1 7 months, 4 weeks ago said:
I have only started using quinoa the last year or so. I really love the earthiness of it and love this recipe. I would love to make this for our next family get together....;-)~~ Thanks Jim

Add a Comment