Dessert

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Red Quinoa; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Water; 2 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar; 1 clove Garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Honey; 6 cup Spinach and Arugula Mix; 1 Avocado (diced); 4 ounce Feta Cheese (crumbled); 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced); 2 Eggs

ByLuna Ryder December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with wholesome ingredients like red quinoa, leafy greens, and creamy avocado. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying side, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

A fresh salad sits on a white cutting board with a white spoon on the left and half an avocado with its pit removed nearby. The salad has a base layer of bright green spinach leaves, topped with small red tomato pieces and cubed white cheese mixed throughout. Chopped green avocado pieces and dark brown crumbled bits are spread over the salad. Two halves of a boiled egg with yellow yolks and white edges are placed on top near the edges. Cracked eggshells are scattered on the top right of the board. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup red quinoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon honey
2 eggs
6 cups spinach and arugula mix
1 avocado
4 ounces feta cheese
1 red bell pepper
1 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the red quinoa and salt, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and place it in the fridge to cool.
Step 2: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and honey to create the dressing.
Step 3: For the soft-boiled eggs, bring water to a boil and gently add the eggs. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then remove from heat and place the eggs in an ice bath for 30 seconds. Peel and set aside.
Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the spinach and arugula mix with the dressing. Add the cooled quinoa, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped red bell pepper, then gently toss to combine.
Step 5: Slice the soft-boiled eggs in half and place them on top of the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad.
Swap out the red quinoa for white or black quinoa depending on your preference.
If you prefer, substitute the soft-boiled eggs with hard-boiled eggs or omit them for a vegan option.
Use lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a brighter, citrusy dressing.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens from wilting. Reheat the quinoa gently before adding it back to the salad if you prefer it warm. Soft-boiled eggs are best eaten fresh and may not store well.

How to Serve

The image shows a fresh salad on a clear white cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base layer of dark green spinach leaves scattered all over, topped with small pieces of red tomatoes and green avocado chunks. There are white cubes of cheese sprinkled evenly. On top of the salad, there are two halved boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks visible. To the right of the cutting board, there are cracked egg shells, and on the left side, there is a white spoon and half an avocado with its seed removed. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute red quinoa with white or black quinoa. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while simmering.

How do I know when the eggs are perfectly soft-boiled?

Cooking the eggs for 5-6 minutes and then placing them in an ice bath ensures the yolks are creamy but not runny. Adjust the time slightly if you prefer firmer or softer yolks.