Hey there, foodies! I’m super excited to share this incredible salad recipe that’s honestly become my go-to for those lazy afternoon cravings. Trust me, once you try this Mediterranean-inspired quinoa and roasted vegetable salad, you’ll be wondering where it’s been all your life!
Let me tell you, this isn’t your basic grocery store salad – this is the kind of salad that makes people ask for the recipe at dinner parties (and yes, I’m speaking from experience, honey! 😉).
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup tri-color quinoa (because we eat with our eyes first!)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (don’t skimp on this, seriously!)
– 1/2 cup kalamata olives
– Fresh basil and mint leaves
– Optional: grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
For the divine dressing (trust me, it’s life-changing):
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 clove minced garlic
– Salt and pepper to taste
Okay, let’s get cooking, gorgeous!
1. First, cook that quinoa according to package instructions. Pro tip: I like to use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor – you can thank me later!
1. While the quinoa is doing its thing, roast your bell pepper under the broiler until the skin is charred. Pop it in a sealed container to steam, then peel and slice.
1. In a large bowl, fluff your cooled quinoa with a fork (don’t be rough with it, treat it with love!).
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1. Add your tomatoes, cucumber, roasted pepper, red onion, and olives to the quinoa.
1. Now for the dressing – whisk together all those yummy ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.
1. Pour that liquid gold over your salad and toss gently. Top with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and your protein if using.
Y’all, I cannot even tell you how many compliments I get when I bring this to gatherings. It’s fresh, it’s healthy, and it’s got that perfect balance of flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging on a Mediterranean beach (minus the hot cabana boy, unfortunately 😂).
The best part? It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit, so it’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for parties. Just keep the feta and herbs separate until serving time if you’re planning ahead.
Loves, if you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do, please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more delicious recipes that’ll make your kitchen the place to be. I’m always sharing new ideas and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with this salad and my favorite rom-com. Bon appétit! 💋
