Mediterranean Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

An explosion of fresh flavors, perfect for any occasion and potlucks.

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Equipe Receita Solta

Mediterranean Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Prep Time25 min
Cook Time20 min
Servings6-8 porções
DifficultyEasy
Calories245 kcal

Resumo para quem tem pressa

"This Mediterranean grain salad combines the lightness of al dente cooked quinoa with crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese, wrapped in a citrusy vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon, and oregano. A fresh, colorful meal rich in noble nutrients."

Make this vibrant grain salad ahead of time, filled with crunchy vegetables and a citrus vinaigrette, which always wins hearts at potlucks and gatherings. A healthy and delicious recipe that surprises.

O Que Você Precisa Saber

- A quinoa cozida e resfriada fornece proteínas completas e textura soltinha que absorve o tempero do vinagrete - O contraste salgado do queijo feta com a acidez do limão e a doçura dos tomates equilibra o paladar - As ervas frescas de hortelã e salsa picadas garantem aroma mediterrâneo refrescante a cada garfada

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g), dry Quinoa
  • 2 xícaras (480ml) Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 unit, medium, diced into small cubes Cucumber
  • 1 cup (150g), cut in half Cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 unit, medium, diced into small cubes Pimentão amarelo
  • 1/4 unit, small, finely chopped Red onion
  • 1/2 cup (70g), pitted, sliced Black olives
  • 1/2 cup (80g), crumbled Feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup, chopped Salsa fresca
  • 2 colheres de sopa, picada Hortelã fresca
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml), fresh Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Vinagre de vinho tinto
  • 1 clove, minced or crushed Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dry oregano
  • A gosto Black pepper

Instructions

Simplified Preparation

1

<strong>Cook the quinoa:</strong> Rinse the quinoa well in a fine mesh strainer. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Loosen with a fork and let cool completely before proceeding.

2

<strong>Prepare the vegetables:</strong> While the quinoa cools, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint according to the ingredient list instructions. Combine all these fresh vegetables in a large bowl, reserving them for later assembly. This step is crucial for the texture of the salad.

3

<strong>Make the vinaigrette:</strong> In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, chopped garlic, dried oregano, remaining salt (1/2 teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper. Beat well with a fork or whisk until all ingredients are completely emulsified and the sauce is homogeneous and aromatic.

4

<strong>Assemble the salad:</strong> Add the cold quinoa to the large bowl with the chopped vegetables. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top, distributing evenly. Carefully pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss with a spatula so that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Do not mash the vegetables.

5

<strong>Cool and serve:</strong> Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to deepen and harmonize. Stir again before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette and ingredients, ensuring a delicious experience in every bite.

Equipe sua Cozinha

Encontramos os melhores utensílios e ingredientes para você preparar Mediterranean Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette com perfeição.

COMPRAR INGREDIENTES

Como Associado Amazon, o Receita Solta recebe por compras qualificadas feitas atraves deste link.

Chef Tips

- Lave a quinoa em água corrente usando peneira fina antes de cozinhar para retirar qualquer amargor residual da saponina - Espalhe a quinoa cozida em uma assadeira para esfriar rapidamente antes de misturar aos vegetais picados frescos - Deixe a salada descansar na geladeira por 30 minutos antes de servir para que o vinagrete permeie todos os grãos

Variations

- Adicione 1 xícara de grão-de-bico cozido ou cubos de peito de frango grelhado para enriquecer o prato com proteínas - Incorpore sementes de abóbora tostadas ou nozes picadas para conferir uma textura crocante extra aos vegetais - Acrescente folhas frescas de rúcula selvagem picada grosseiramente na hora de servir para uma nota picante

Substitutions

- A quinoa branca pode ser substituída por cuscuz marroquino hidratado, grão-de-bico cozido ou cevadinha em grãos - O queijo feta tradicional de cabra pode ser trocado por queijo minas padrão em cubos ou ricota defumada esfarelada - O vinagre de vinho tinto pode ser substituído por vinagre de maçã suave ou suco de limão extra

How to Store

Keep the seasoned salad in a closed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The quinoa grains and vegetables maintain a firm texture and absorb even more flavor from the vinaigrette as they rest in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze It?

Do not freeze this ready-made salad, as tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese release a lot of water and soften after thawing. Quinoa can be cooked in large batches and frozen plain without seasoning for up to 60 days.

What to Serve With

It pairs excellently with grilled fish fillets, herb chicken skewers, warm whole wheat pita bread, and creamy hummus. To drink, pair with a fresh Pinot Grigio white wine or lemonade with mint leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I cook the quinoa with broth or plain water?

Cooking with water and salt already ensures an excellent result, but using homemade vegetable broth enriches the flavor of the grains.

How to prevent the tomato and cucumber from releasing too much water in the salad?

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and discard the excess gelatinous seeds from the cucumber before dicing into uniform cubes.

Can I prepare the salad the day before for a picnic?

Yes, this salad keeps very well in the refrigerator; keep the feta cheese to crumble on top just before transporting.

What replaces feta cheese while maintaining authenticity?

Salted goat cheese or a salty aged minas cheese offer a very similar aromatic profile and texture.

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