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Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Olives, Basil and Sun-dried Tomatoes recipe photo
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Olives, Basil and Sun-dried Tomatoes

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for a nutritious lunch or a hearty side dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Easy, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Quinoa, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1-1 1/2 cups quinoa use a certified gluten-free brand for added assurance
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock optional, for cooking quinoa
  • 1/3 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup artichoke heart quarters preferably marinated for added flavor
  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced

Instructions

  • Begin by rinsing your quinoa under cold running water using a colander. This helps remove any bitterness and ensures a cleaner taste.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  • While the quinoa cooks, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This dressing will add a rich flavor to your salad.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, toasted pine nuts, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated in the delicious dressing.
  • Taste your salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or more balsamic vinegar if you desire. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean!

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Colander

Notes

  • Rinsing quinoa thoroughly removes bitterness for a cleaner taste.
  • Toast pine nuts fresh to enhance their flavor and avoid stale nuts.
  • Store salad and dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep freshness up to 4 days.
  • Try seasonal add-ins like cherry tomatoes in summer or pomegranate seeds in winter for variety.