Amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled Ready

Name: Amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled Ready
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced or halved; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional Add-ons:; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced; 1 tablespoon capers

by Fatima Garcia

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9 de August de 2025

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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled has become my go-to dish for vibrant, healthy weeknight meals. I still remember the first time I tried a grilled quinoa salad Mediterranean style; the smoky char of the vegetables and chicken, combined with the bright lemon-herb dressing and the satisfying chew of the quinoa, was pure magic. It’s so easy to whip up this Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad recipe, and the fresh flavors always transport me straight to the coast. It’s a truly easy grilled Mediterranean quinoa salad that you’ll love. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s packed with incredible flavor, making it a truly satisfying meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

Bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors and a delightful smoky char from grilling.
A healthy Mediterranean quinoa salad grilled option that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Quick prep and cook times mean dinner is on the table in under an hour.
It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and affordable produce.
A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, offering a family-friendly meal.
This healthy Mediterranean quinoa salad grilled is loaded with lean protein and fiber to keep you full.
Versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled. You’ll need 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed, which forms the hearty base. For the protein, we have 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned and grilled to perfection. You’ll also need 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, for a burst of sweetness, and 1 medium cucumber, diced for a cool crunch. Don’t forget 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, and 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced or halved, which are key to that authentic Mediterranean flavor. And of course, no Mediterranean quinoa salad grilled feta dish is complete without 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. We’ll also use 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for brightness.

For the zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for that essential tang, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for emulsification, 1 garlic clove, minced for depth, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste, ties it all together.

How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

Let’s get this delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled put together! It’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it. First, we need to get our oven ready.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, rinse 1 cup uncooked quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once it’s done simmering, remove it from the heat and let it steam, covered, for another 5 minutes. After that, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: While the quinoa cooks, prepare your chicken. Pat 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re looking for that internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) – a meat thermometer is your best friend here! Once cooked, let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is key to juicy chicken.
Step 3: Now for the fresh elements that make up this Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad. Halve 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, slice or halve 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. If you’re adding optional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, get those chopped up now too.
Step 4: Time to whip up that amazing dressing. In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is beautifully emulsified – it should look creamy and inviting. Knowing how to make Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad is all about these fresh, bright flavors!
Step 5: Assemble your masterpiece! In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked quinoa, the sliced grilled chicken, the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour that gorgeous lemon-herb dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, making sure every bite gets coated in that zesty dressing. This step really brings the whole Mediterranean flavor quinoa salad grilled together.
Step 6: You can serve this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled immediately while it’s still a bit warm, or for an even better flavor, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Best Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

To ensure your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled is absolutely perfect, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These simple tips will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable.

Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly; this removes a natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
When grilling the chicken, pound it to an even thickness. This guarantees it cooks through at the same rate, preventing dry spots.
Don’t skimp on resting the chicken after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in much more tender and moist meat.
For the best flavor, let the assembled salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the Mediterranean flavors to meld beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled?

The secret to a truly perfect Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled lies in balancing the textures and flavors. Ensure your quinoa is fluffy and your grilled components have a nice char. The bright, emulsified lemon-herb dressing is key to tying it all together for the best Mediterranean quinoa salad grilled. For more on flavor balancing, check out this guide on culinary flavor profiles.

Can I make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the quinoa and grill the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble the salad with the dressing just before serving, or up to a day ahead if you don’t mind the ingredients mingling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled?

A common pitfall is overcooking the quinoa, making it mushy. Make sure to stick to the cooking times. Another mistake is not letting the grilled chicken rest, which leads to dry meat. Finally, be sure to cool the quinoa completely before mixing everything together to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables. Learn more about proper food preparation techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

This versatile Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled is fantastic for so many occasions! For a light and satisfying lunch, serve it chilled on its own. It’s also a perfect main course for a healthy dinner, especially when paired with a side of crusty whole-wheat bread to soak up that delicious dressing. For an impressive meal prep option, portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your Mediterranean flavor quinoa salad grilled, consider serving it alongside grilled fish like salmon or a simple Greek salad.

Amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled Ready - Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delightful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled. This healthy dish is packed with goodness!

Calories: Approximately 475 kcal
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources on nutritional guidelines.

How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled for days. After assembling and tossing the salad, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This prevents condensation, which can make the salad soggy. You can refrigerate the assembled salad for 3-4 days. It’s truly a fantastic option for meal prep, making your weeknight dinners a breeze. While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you could technically freeze components separately (like cooked quinoa and chicken), but the fresh vegetables and feta won’t freeze well. For reheating, you can enjoy the Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad cold straight from the fridge, or gently warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled

Can I use different types of grains instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! While quinoa provides a complete protein and a great texture, you can certainly experiment. Farro, bulgur, or even couscous can work well in a grilled quinoa salad Mediterranean style. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions.

What can I add to make this Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad recipe more interesting?

There are so many ways to customize! Try adding some roasted red peppers for sweetness, some sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy, intense flavor, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch. A few capers can also add a delightful briny kick to your Mediterranean grilled quinoa salad.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

Yes, this salad is fantastic for meal prepping! You can cook the quinoa and grill the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just combine the ingredients, add the dressing, and toss. It’s a perfect example of how easy it is to have healthy meals ready to go.

How do I get the best grilled flavor on the vegetables?

To achieve that signature grilled flavor, toss your vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or red onion with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Grill them over medium-high heat until they have nice char marks but are still slightly crisp-tender. This enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor quinoa salad grilled experience.

Variations of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled You Can Try

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Grilled is already fantastic, but you can totally switch it up to suit your needs or cravings! For a lighter, vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or some grilled halloumi cheese. If you love a smoky flavor, try grilling your vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion along with the chicken – it adds an amazing depth. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or some chopped jalapeños can liven things up. And of course, if you’re making the classic Mediterranean quinoa salad with grilled chicken, feel free to add other proteins like shrimp or even leftover grilled steak for a different take. You might also enjoy exploring other grilled recipes.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia