Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad
Imagine a hot summer day, the sun beaming down, and the perfect antidote to that warmth is a bowl of Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad brimming with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. This salad, with its combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, takes you on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. The best part? It’s so quick to prepare that you can whip it up in less than thirty minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simple family dinners.
With every bite, the freshness of the herbs and the zest of olive oil dances on your palate, evoking nostalgic memories of summer picnics and gatherings with loved ones. It’s a kid-friendly option that not only pleases the little ones but also leaves adults craving more.
Are You Ready for a Taste of the Mediterranean?
Picture yourself at a sun-soaked terrace, savoring the flavors of a stunning Mediterranean feast. What’s not to love? Isn’t it tempting to dive into a bowl of something so colorful and tasty? How often do you dream of food that delights both your taste buds and your spirit? When was the last time a meal transported you to your happy place?
Get ready to indulge in a salad that screams, "take me to a sunny holiday!" Can you imagine dishing this out to your friends and family, their eyes lighting up at the sight of this gorgeous bowl of goodness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe boasts a number of appealing attributes:
- Easy Preparation: With minimal cooking involved, you can have this salad ready in no time.
- Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s not only light but also nourishing for your body.
- Heavenly Flavor Profile: The combination of ingredients provides a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual barbecue, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, letting the flavors meld together for an even tastier experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed under cool running water
- 2 cups water
- 1 small cucumber, diced into refreshing little cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a juicy pop
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced for that briny flavor
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced for a kick of zest
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled to add creaminess
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for that herbaceous note
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped to elevate the freshness
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle of liquid gold
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, adding a burst of citrus
- Salt and pepper, to taste, as the perfect finishing touch
Each ingredient is carefully selected to evoke summer vibes and provide that crave-worthy freshness in every forkful!
Timing
This Mediterranean Cold Salad brings together an indulgent flavor profile in a short amount of time. If you’re looking to satisfy that craving quickly, this recipe gets you there in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
However, if you have a bit more time to spare, you can make it luxurious by letting it chill longer in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it sits, the more intense and delicious it becomes!
Step-by-Step
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Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
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In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring this to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, letting it bubble up.
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When it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan. Cook for about 15 minutes, ensuring that all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious.
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Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff your quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, finely diced red onion, and the now-cooled quinoa.
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Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint into the bowl, stirring gently to mix all these wonderful ingredients evenly.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
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Pour this luscious dressing over the salad mixture and toss to ensure every delightful bite is coated.
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Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to enhance, making each bite irresistible and fresh!
Nutritional Information
This Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious! In a single serving, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
With its variety of wholesome ingredients, it’s an ideal choice that won’t weigh you down. Remember, indulging in fresh ingredients allows for occasional treats without the guilt!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make the dish even lighter or to accommodate dietary needs, here are some healthier swaps:
- Substitute quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Use a dairy-free feta cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
- If you’d like to curtail the sodium, opt for low-sodium olives and feta cheese.
These changes ensure that you can keep enjoying this salad while adhering to your dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant Mediterranean salad can stand alone as a refreshing main dish or can be served as a side. Pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty meal or serve it alongside your favorite main course during holiday gatherings.
Feeling adventurous? Why not serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of creamy avocado for added richness and flavor!
Common Mistakes
While preparing this Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad is straightforward, here are a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Overcooking the Quinoa: This can lead to mushy grains. Perfectly cooked quinoa should be fluffy and distinct.
- Not Chilling Long Enough: Failing to let the salad sit means you won’t enjoy the full depth of flavors that develop from chilling.
- Incorrectly seasoning: Remember that salt enhances your ingredients. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Storing Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, no need to worry! Here’s how to store your salad:
- Refrigeration: The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing due to the watery texture of the vegetables once thawed.
When ready to enjoy it again, simply take it out of the fridge, and it’s good to go. The flavors might even develop a tad more in the fridge!
Tempting You to Make This Salad ASAP
Gather those luscious ingredients and get ready to embark on a journey through the Mediterranean with this Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad! Its bright, colorful components promise a delightful and refreshing meal that brings everyone together. Don’t let another day pass without experiencing this salad that’s packed full of flavor and memories.
Why wait? Prepare this gorgeous salad ASAP, and let its vibrant colors and Mediterranean flair steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavors even more.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is gluten-free, making this salad a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to customize based on seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can this salad be served warm?
While it’s best chilled, you can serve it at room temperature if preferred.
Dive into this vibrant dish and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors that the Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad offers!
Print
Chilled Mediterranean Cold Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for summer days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer.
- In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and cooled quinoa.
- Add feta cheese, parsley, and mint, stirring gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time; letting it chill for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
