The Perfect Grill or Picnic Companion

Whether you prefer grilling at home or packing up a picnic and heading out into nature, there’s always time for a perfect salad to accompany everything else you’ve rustled up. Our favorite thing to make is this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, packed with nutritious ingredients while also providing a refreshing and satisfying salad option that works well alongside any protein.

Hereʼs what you need for the salad:

● 1 cup quinoa

● 2 cups water

● 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

● 1 cucumber, diced

● 1 red bell pepper, diced

● 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

● 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

● 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

● 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This is what we use for the dressing:

● 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

● 2 tablespoons lemon juice

● 1 clove garlic, minced

● 1 teaspoon dried oregano

● Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.

2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.

3. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are coated evenly.

7. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for an extra burst of freshness.

8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

9. When it’s time for the picnic or grill, pack the chilled Mediterranean Quinoa Salad in individual containers or a large airtight container, and it’s ready to enjoy!