Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Tomato Feta Basil Quinoa Salad! This refreshing dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition, perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side at your next gathering. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up this deliciously healthy recipe that’s bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Dive into the recipe below and get ready to impress your taste buds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- quinoa
- cherry tomatoes
- feta cheese
- fresh basil
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it cool completely, spreading it on a large plate to help release steam and prevent clumping.
- While quinoa cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and roughly chop fresh basil leaves, keeping some whole for garnish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped basil.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with whole basil leaves and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste in your salad.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: For the best texture, let the quinoa cool completely after cooking. Spreading it on a plate helps to release steam and prevents clumping.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest cherry tomatoes and freshest basil you can find. Their vibrant flavors will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to your liking. A splash of lemon juice or a hint of garlic can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish with whole basil leaves before serving. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh aroma to the dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
