Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, mine just what the doctor (literally) ordered, with lots of rest and relaxation! 

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is one of my favorite recipes to make on Sunday and eat throughout the week. Its wonderful on its own, tossed with some greens for lunch, or as a side for dinner.

I love it lightly dressed with a homemade tangy balsamic vinaigrette (recipe below), but feel free to leave it plain or use your own dressing.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

1 c       cooked quinoa
3/4 c  grape or cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1/2 c  green bell pepper, chopped
1/2     small red onion, diced
1/4 c  kalamata olives, chopped
1/4 c  pepperoncinis, chopped
1/4 c  crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 c  tangy balsamic vinaigrette (recipe below) 

Cooked Quinoa, Tangy Balsamic & Chopped Veggies

Chop tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, pepperoncinis. Combine cooked quinoa, veggies, and feta (if using) in a medium bowl. Toss with tangy balsamic vinaigrette or other dressing, cover and let chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Serve cold or room temperature.

Keeps in the refrigerator for 4 or 5 days, but a little more dressing may be needed after a day or two as the quinoa will soak some of it up

This recipe is highly adaptable; I have added diced celery, cooked chickpeas (for protein), cucumbers, and omitted the feta before and all variations have been delicious! 

Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette  

1/4 c  olive oil
1/3 c  balsamic vinegar
1 T + 1/2 t  dijon mustard
1 t  minced garlic
Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake vigorously to combine - makes 3/4 cup, plenty for the quinoa salad and leftovers for other salads during the week 


Have a wonderful week, friends!

xoxo
Marisa 

Friday 5

Friends! I've been under the weather this week but wanted to stop in and share my Friday Five with you. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, mine will be spent resting and recovering. 

1 | This is an interesting list from the kitchn, 30 recipies to know by the age of 30. While it might not work for everyone, I still think its a good starting point!    

2 | Loving these 22 tips to make the most of your decorating dollars. Sometimes big impact doesn't require a lot of money! 

3 | I made myself this no noodle pad thai for dinner on Tuesday and it was quick, fabulous and not too spicy or peanut-y (thats a thing, right?). 

4 | These Sperrys look like a great mix between a traditional boat shoe and a flat. I'm also a sucker for the gold laces, and they're on sale! 

5 | We've all seen stuffed peppers and tomatoes, but stuffed red onions? These will be on the menu for next week! 

xoxo
Marisa 

Friday 5

Oh hey there, let's all pretend like it hasn't been 3+ months since I last posted on this little corner of the internet. So without any excuses, let's jump right in to my Friday 5!

1 | If you're still looking for a cute dress for Easter this Sunday, I'm loving this blue & green number.

2 | Nikki Dinki, my favorite contestant from The Next Food Network Star is coming out with a cookbook next year and I couldn't be more excited! 

3 | This article had a lot of great advice & life lessons from bloggers who have crossed into the world of professional interior design. 

4 | I'll be making Deb's newest carrot cake to bring to my parent's house for Easter dinner on Sunday, only with this buttercream frosting instead of the traditional cream cheese. 

5 | One of my goals for 2015 is to read at least one book per month, so far I am right on schedule, but I would love some suggestions for books to add to my list! 

What have you been up to lately? I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter/Passover weekend! 

xoxo

Marisa