High Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Bursting with vibrant flavors and packed with plant-based protein, this High Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a wholesome, satisfying dish perfect for healthy lunches or light dinners. Featuring fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, and a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, this salad is elevated with tangy feta, briny black olives, and aromatic parsley. The zesty dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano ties everything together, creating a refreshing and nutrient-rich meal. Ready in just 35 minutes and easy to make ahead, this versatile salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a side dish. Gluten-free and loaded with Mediterranean-inspired goodness, this recipe proves that eating healthy can be both delicious and effortless!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

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

Serving size	(1846.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2216.3

Total Fat 124.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 5430.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 217.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.8g	0%
Total Sugars 28.1g
Protein 73.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1019.5mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 2707.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 38.0%