Gluten-Free Italian Lunch: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil
About This Recipe
A delicious, gluten-free Mediterranean Quinoa Salad packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for an easy, healthy Italian lunch or side dish.
This dish is inspired by traditional Mediterranean recipes, which often feature quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil as staple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Quinoa (uncooked)
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Fresh Basil
- Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
- Red Bell Peppers
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Kalamata Olives
- Feta Cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- 2
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- 3
Slice the fresh basil leaves.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, sliced basil leaves, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- 5
Pour lemon vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 6
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Chef's Notes
Feel free to swap out ingredients according to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Information
This salad is packed with protein from the quinoa and feta cheese, fiber from the quinoa and vegetables, and antioxidants from the sun-dried tomatoes and olives.