Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Quinoa salad

Mediterranean quinoa salad is easy to make, tastes great, and is a healthy choice for a better diet. This quinoa recipe is a perfect entree or side dish, either hot or cold. Quinoa cooks up similar to rice, in fact, you can substitute quinoa for rice in most recipes, so give quinoa a try.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients :

1 cup QUINOA
2 cups packed SPINACH
10-15 CHERRY TOMATOES (sliced in halves)
3 cloves chopped GARLIC
½-1 cup FETA cheese
¼ cup fresh BASIL
1 med chopped ONION
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL for sautéing the onion
1-2 Tbsp mild VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste
1 tsp dried HERBS (thyme, basil, oregano, etc.)

mediterranean quinoa salad
Mediterranean Quinoa makes a great entrée or side dish.

How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa :

Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil.
Add 1 cup of quinoa (at this time also add any dried herbs). Cover and let simmer 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
While the quinoa cooks, sauté the onions and garlic.
Once quinoa is cooked, remove from the heat and while the quinoa is still hot, stir in the spinach and basil until wilted, then add the onion and garlic.
Let Quinoa cool about 10 minutes, and then stir in the cherry tomatoes, vinegar, feta cheese, and extra salt and pepper as desired.
Serve warm or cold, it’s tasty either way.
Give this Mediterranean quinoa salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Sometimes quinoa is pricey, but by shopping around, you can often find a better deal. See current prices for quinoa on Amazon. I like to buy quinoa in the bulk bins, or sometimes you can find a good deal on quinoa in the rice section. Quinoa in the “health” or “natural foods” section is often over-priced, so definitely look around for the better deal, because it’s out there!

For another flavor twist, try this Southwest inspired quinoa salad recipe.

southwestern quinoa salad
a southwestern quinoa salad makes a tasty and healthy dinner choice.

And for another more easy quinoa dishes, check out my quinoa recipe playlist on the Chef Buck Youtube Channel.

Thanks for checking out this Mediterranean quinoa recipe, and be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We appreciate you watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Thai Rice Recipe …but with Quinoa!

thai rice

What is more awesome than a Thai rice recipe? Thai quinoa! Quinoa provides a complete protein, so you’ll get more bang for your buck by substituting quinoa in this simple, yet delicious Thai-style dish.

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Quinoa Thai Rice Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup QUINOA …check quinoa prices on Amazon
1 can COCONUT MILK
1 ONION (chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
1 Tbsp CHILI-GARLIC SAUCE
1-2 tsp LEMONGRASS (minced)
4-6 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp TURMERIC
CILANTRO (chopped)
ENGLISH CUCUMBER (chopped)
ROMA TOMATO (chopped)
2-3 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste

thai rice
Thai-Style Quinoa Recipe

Quinoa Thai Rice Recipe Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3-4 minutes until ingredients begin to soften. Add chili-garlic sauce, turmeric, and salt to taste. Mix well and continue sautéing for another minute.
Add quinoa and stir well. Check here for current prices for quinoa on Amazon.

In a measuring cup, add one can of coconut milk, and then add additional water to bring the liquid to 2½ cups. Pour the coconut/water mixture into the skillet and mix well with the quinoa.
Stir in the minced lemongrass.

Raise the skillet temperature and bring ingredients to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let dish cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.

Thai rice
Pair a simple salad with Thai Quinoa for a complete meal.

While the quinoa cooks, chop cucumber and tomato into a bowl.  Use a cucumber with a thin, edible skin, it’s a great texture for this dish. Add fresh chopped ginger and cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, and a generous amount of rice vinegar; the tartness of the vinegar adds a great contrast to the coconut creaminess of the quinoa. Thoroughly mix the salad ingredients and set aside.

Once the quinoa has simmered for 15 minutes, remove from the heat and let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add fresh chopped cilantro; if you’re not a fan of cilantro, basil makes an excellent substitute.
Serve quinoa in a bowl with the cucumber/tomato salad.

It’s a crazy creamy and awesome recipe. So simple and delicious, and makes a great meal. Definitely give this Thai rice quinoa recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another healthy Thai-inspired recipe, try this Quinoa Thai Curry Recipe.
quinoa thai curry

Thanks for Watching Thai-Style Quinoa Recipe

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. Making a purchase after clicking on our links and we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Cook Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

how to cook quinoa

How to cook quinoa with beets; a simple recipe that pairs quinoa with delicious roasted root vegetables. For this quinoa recipe, I roasted beets, carrot, and onion, but any root vegetable will do. I also added a little RAW ginger and garlic, to provide a flavor punch along with excellent nutrition. A complete protein, quinoa makes this dish an ideal vegetarian recipe. It’s a perfect side dish or main course.

Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup QUINOA
2 med. BEET ROOTS
1 med. ONION
1-2 Lg CARROTS
2 Tbsp GARLIC (minced)
2 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
½ cup PARSLEY (chopped)
HOT PEPPER (to taste)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
4-6 Tbsp VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste

how to cook quinoa
Chop root veggies into bite-size pieces (but big bites!)

How to Cook Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe

Wash and then chop beet bulbs and carrots into roughly ½ inch pieces–bite size, but not too small.
Chop onion into similar sizes. Place chopped veggies in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

On an ungreased baking sheet, spread veggies out into a single layer and then roast approx. 30 minutes in an oven pre-heated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halfway through the roasting, give the veggies a stir and return to the oven.
While the root vegetables roast, prepare the quinoa.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook quinoa …it’s just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. Most quinoa sold in stores throughout the USA has been pre-washed, but check packaging for details. (Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.)

If desired, add a little chopped hot pepper in with the quinoa. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove pot from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Transfer quinoa to a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Mix well, and then add the roasted vegetables. Add the raw, minced ginger and garlic, and the parsley. Toss until all of the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This recipe makes an awesome side, but it also works well as an entree. Give this quinoa and beet recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another recipe featuring beets, Check out this Fresh Beet Greens Recipe.

beet greens recipe
Buy beet roots with the greens for two great ingredients.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out our beet and quinoa recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, you can also support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. So, if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Share and Enjoy !

Quinoa Salad Recipe – Vietnamese Bánh Mì Style

A quinoa salad recipe inspired by the tasty flavor combinations found in a Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich. Quinoa provides a complete protein, making this dish an ideal vegetarian recipe.

Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients

1 cup QUINOA (uncooked)
2 cups DAIKON/CARROT RELISH (chopped)
2-3 JALAPENOS (finely chopped)
2 cups SALAD CUCUMBER (diced)
1 cup chopped CILANTRO
3 Tbsp MAYONNAISE
1 small LEMON (zest and juice)
2 Tbsp rice VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste
SALAD GREENS (I use a combo of Spinach and Red Leaf Lettuce, but use your favorite)

How to make a Bánh Mì Quinoa Salad

Cook up the quinoa just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa and then set aside uncovered to cool.

Prepare the veggies: Dice 1 large salad cucumber, also called an English cucumber; these are great in a salad because the skin is thin and quite enjoyable to eat, and also adds a nice texture. Finely chop 2-3 whole jalapeno peppers, seeds and all. Chop 1 bunch of cilantro, including the stems. Chop 2 cups of pickled daikon and carrot.

Quinoa Salad -- Banh Mi Style
Quinoa Salad — Banh Mi Style

Prepare the dressing: Remove and mince the zest from 1 small lemon and place in a small bowl. Add the juice from the lemon, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth.

In a large bowl, place the cooled quinoa. Add ½ of the dressing, the jalapenos, cilantro, and daikon/carrot, and mix well. Add the diced cucumbers and toss. Add salt and pepper, and more dressing as desired. I also add a bit of the pickling solution from the daikon/carrot pickle.
Serve the quinoa salad over a bed of leafy greens and garnish with cilantro.

Give this banh mi quinoa salad recipe a try and let me know what you think!

If you’re new to home cooking, get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or try a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

For another Asian inspired vegetarian dish, try this Ramen Noodle Crunchy Slaw Recipe.

crunchy slaw
Crunchy coleslaw or noodle salad? What sounds tastier?

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this quinoa salad recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, you can also support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. So, if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Share and Enjoy !

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