Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Total time45 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time15 min

This bright, hearty salad is everything you want on a warm day — colorful, satisfying, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors that just keep getting better as they sit. Fluffy quinoa and protein-rich chickpeas form a filling base, while Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and crisp cucumber bring that briny, sun-drenched character you'd expect from a great Mediterranean spread. The dressing is a simple whisk-together of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, and a touch of Dijon that ties every ingredient together in a clean, tangy emulsion. One of the best things about this kind of recipe is that every single ingredient is naturally plant-based — no substitutions needed, no label-reading anxiety, just whole foods doing their thing. Fresh parsley (and optional mint if you're feeling it) adds a herby lift that makes the whole bowl feel alive. It serves four and keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, which makes it a brilliant option for meal prep or a make-ahead lunch that actually tastes better the next day.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the quinoa

1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
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2 cups water
¼ tsp salt

For the dressing

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1½ lemons)
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dijon mustard
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the salad

1 english cucumber, diced (about 1½ cups)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
¼ red onion, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and ¼ tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and the germ rings are visible, about 12–14 minutes.
2
Remove the pan from the heat and let the quinoa steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and spread onto a large plate or sheet pan to cool for at least 10 minutes.

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