High Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Bursting with bold flavors and packed with nutrients, this High Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the ultimate healthy, hearty dish for anyone craving a quick and satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked quinoa forms the protein-rich base of this vibrant salad, while tender chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and briny olives create a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley adds a creamy, herbaceous touch, all brought together by a zesty, homemade lemon-oregano dressing. Ready in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free, vegetarian recipe is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet filling lunch. Serve it fresh or let the flavors meld in the fridge for an even tastier make-ahead option!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 15 oz can canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until all ingredients are well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2216 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 124.6 g | 160% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.0 g | 150% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 5430 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 217.2 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.8 g | 124% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.1 g | ||
| Protein | 73.4 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1020 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2708 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
