**Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Fresh, Flavorful, and Nutritious**

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

#### Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

- 2 cups water or vegetable broth

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

#### For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

#### Instructions:

1. **Cook the Quinoa:**

   - In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth.

   - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

   - Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. **Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette:**

   - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. **Assemble the Salad:**

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

   - Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.

4. **Mix Well:**

   - Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the vinaigrette.

5. **Chill and Serve:**

   - Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

   - Before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad as a garnish.

6. **Enjoy:**

   - Serve the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature as a delicious and nutritious side dish or light meal.

#### Tips:

- You can customize this salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or pine nuts.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.

- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!