Crafting the Perfect Medley: Organic Ingredients at Their Best
Each component of this salad is carefully curated with organic goodness in mind. From the earthy aroma of freshly cooked organic quinoa to the zingy notes of organic lemon juice, every ingredient tells a story of sustainability and health. Crisp organic cucumber, succulent cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and the gentle bite of red onion – all organically sourced and finely chopped, adding layers of texture and taste.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup organic quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions
- 1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 organic cucumber, diced
- 1 cup organic cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup organic Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup organic red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh organic parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh organic mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup organic sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh organic lemon juice
- 2 cloves organic garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon organic dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool to room temperature in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare Vegetables:
- Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion, and prepare the olives. Add them all to the bowl with quinoa.
3. Add Herbs and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Optional):
- Chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves finely. Add them to the quinoa mixture.
- If using sun-dried tomatoes, chop them and add them to the bowl as well.
4. Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Let it Marinate:
- Cover the salad and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a good toss. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or mint if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious, organic Mediterranean vegan quinoa salad as a refreshing and nutritious meal! It's perfect on its own or as a side dish.