Salads are often seen as a side dish, but hearty salads are a game changer. They are packed with nutrition, flavor, and textures that make them more than just a side. Lina Vexley, a health enthusiast, shares how she came to love hearty salads during a trip to the Mediterranean. There, the combination of fresh vegetables, beans, and grains opened her eyes to the endless possibilities of a salad beyond just leafy greens. Since then, Lina has been experimenting with various ingredients, creating colorful bowls that are not only filling but incredibly nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup chickpeas (cooked)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
WP Recipe Maker .json Format:
Hearty Mediterranean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa cooked
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mixed greens, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, feta cheese, and chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty Mediterranean salad!
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Hearty Mediterranean Salad
To create this delicious and nutritious salad, start by cooking quinoa. You can easily prepare it in a saucepan with water, bringing it to a boil, then simmering for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the quinoa with mixed greens like spinach, arugula, and kale. Add in fresh, colorful veggies such as halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and bell pepper. For an added protein boost, toss in cooked chickpeas and crumbled feta cheese.
Next, prepare a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are well-coated.
Once combined, the hearty salad is ready to serve. It’s perfect as a filling meal on its own or as a side to grilled meats or tofu for extra protein.
Conclusion
This hearty Mediterranean salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and satisfying protein, it’s a meal that can stand on its own. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or as part of a larger meal, this salad is sure to leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Try it today for a healthy, easy-to-make recipe that’s both refreshing and filling.