Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
A delicious and heart-healthy Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad with a zesty lemon herb dressing, perfect for lowering high cholesterol.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve the Mediterranean quinoa salad cold as a main dish or side dish. Enjoy!
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein (g) | 12 |
| Carbs (g) | 45 |
| Fiber (g) | 8 |
| Sugar (g) | 5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 300 |
| Cholesterol | 0 |