Fresh and flavorful this Mediterranean quinoa salad is hearty, healthy and satisfying. The perfect summer side dish ready in 30 minutes!
Other filling summer salads that I love to make this time of year include this the Jennifer Aniston salad, southwest quinoa salad and mango chicken quinoa salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Light and flavorful: This Mediterranean quinoa salad combines nutty quinoa with vibrant red bell pepper, crunchy cucumbers, zesty arugula and fresh herbs.
- Crowd pleasing: If you have a potluck, picnic or need a side dish for a BBQ this Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas is easy to make with chopped bell pepper and chopped onion and a vinaigrette with red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning.
Recipe Ingredients
Variations
- Grain: Use couscous or orzo instead of quinoa.
- Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or grilled salmon.
- Dressing: Feel free to switch up the dressing to a Greek salad dressing or Italian dressing.
- Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, pine nuts, crispy air fryer chickpeas, kalamata olives, pickled onions, goat cheese or cherry tomatoes.
- It’s a great make-ahead salad and when thinking about meal prep, this will definitely be your new go-to. It’s easy, it’s super healthy and it’s delicious!
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa as directed on package, drain and set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Place the arugula in a large bowl. Add garbanzo beans, bell pepper, cucumber and onions. Add feta, olives and tomatoes. Toss salad together with dressing and top with fresh herbs. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Make Ahead and Storing
- Make ahead: Assemble the entire salad with the exception of the dressing (but don’t toss yet), in a bowl and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead. Just before serving, add in the dressing and give it a toss.
- Store: This salad is great for meal prep! Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once the salad has absorbed the dressing overnight you may find it tastes even better the next day!
More Fresh Salad Recipes
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa , rinsed (or 1 cup cooked)
- 4 cups arugula
- 15 ounce can garbanzo beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper , chopped
- 1 cucumber , sliced and cut into 4
- ½ cup red onions , diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley , chopped
Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar , or balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper , more to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, 1/4 cup kalamata olives, 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook quinoa as directed on package. I like to cook it in chicken broth or with salt in the water. Once the quinoa is completely cooked, drain and set it aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Add the onions if you'd like to have them pickle slightly. Set aside.
- Place the arugula in a large bowl. Then add the garbanzo beans, bell pepper, cucumber and onions. Add feta, olives and tomatoes if desired.
- Toss salad together with dressing and then top with fresh herbs. Season to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Dinner, Meal Prep, Mediterranean, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Vegetarian, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This salad was awesome, I served it with grilled chicken and it paired perfectly. This will be a staple this summer!!
Loving this dressing!! It adds great flavor & the quinoa makes it hearty!
I love all the different textures & flavors! I will be making this again for sure!