Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Craving Sunshine? These Recipes for Lunch at Home Will Transport You!
Ever feel like your lunch is a total drag ? Honestly, I’ve been there. I used to grab the same sad sandwich every day.
But then I discovered the joy of creating delicious recipes for lunch at home that actually get me excited. This Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi is the perfect example.
It's like a mini vacation for your taste buds!
This salad is inspired by the sunny shores of Greece. Think fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple, satisfying flavours. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
It takes about 30 minutes total. This dish serves 2 people.
Why You'll Love This One Plate Meal
This salad isn't just tasty. It's also packed with goodness! Quinoa is a complete protein, so it will keep you full and energized.
The fresh veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the halloumi adds a satisfying salty kick. It's perfect for a healthy work lunch recipe that won't leave you feeling sluggish.
It is also great as a Mediterranean diet lunch recipe . What makes this recipe special? Well, it brings a bit of sunshine to any day.
It's All About Fresh Ingredients.
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you can easily find. You will need quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, mint, and halloumi cheese.
And don't forget the lemon herb dressing! Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano create a bright and flavourful sauce.
Easy Cooking Meals Don't Have to Be Boring.
Trust me, this salad is anything but boring. It's a burst of fresh flavours and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Plus, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. So, ditch the dull lunch routine and give this Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad a try! I think you will love it!
Right then, let’s get down to brass tacks! We're whipping up a Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi, perfect for those recipes for lunch at home moments.
It's fresh, it's vibrant, and honestly, it makes you feel like you're on holiday even if you're just staring out the window at the British weather.
No need to panic, It is one of the Easy Cooking Meals , and that's what makes it great!.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted
Okay, before we start belting out ABBA tunes and pretending we're on a Greek island, let's get all our bits and bobs together.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Uncooked quinoa: 1 cup (200g) . Give it a good rinse, yeah? Trust me, it makes a difference. Think of it like washing your hair before a night out.
- Water or vegetable broth: 2 cups (475 ml) . Broth adds a bit more flavour, if you're feeling fancy.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) .
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) , halved.
- Cucumber: 1/2 cup (75g) , diced.
- Red onion: 1/2 cup (75g) , thinly sliced. If you're not a fan of strong onion, soak them in cold water for a bit.
- Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup (75g) , pitted and halved. The good stuff.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup (20g) , chopped.
- Fresh mint: 1/4 cup (20g) , chopped.
- Halloumi cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Halloumi should squeak when you bite into it that's how you know it's good.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) . Don't be shy, use the good stuff.
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Freshly squeezed is always best.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Or, you know, a teaspoon of the jarred stuff if you're in a rush.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g) .
- Salt and pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) each. Or to taste, obvs.
Looking for a Quick lunch ideas for one? or Healthy work lunch recipes ? This is the one!
Seasoning Notes: Herbs and Spices and Everything Nice
This Mediterranean diet lunch recipes uses a killer combo. Oregano and lemon are just chef's kiss . If you're missing oregano, Italian herbs will do in a pinch.
A little pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a kick, if that's your bag.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)
- Medium saucepan. For the quinoa, like.
- Grill pan or regular frying pan. For grilling the halloumi.
- Cutting board and Chef's knife. You know, for chopping.
- Mixing bowls. For assembling the salad.
You can use a regular pan if you don't have a grill pan, no worries. I tried using a bread knife once to chop tomatoes.
Don't do that. This is a great starting point to cook Simple Dishes Dinner Ideas too.
Okay, let's dive into making a super tasty Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi. Honestly, this is one of my go-to recipes for lunch at home .
It feels like sunshine on a plate, even when the British weather is, well, being British.
Cooking Method: Grilling Halloumi
Halloumi! It's the squeaky cheese of my dreams. You know? The kind that gets all golden and delicious when you grill it.
This is key for this salad and makes it one of my favorite easy cooking meals .
Prep Steps Before You Grill
First, slice your 4 ounces of halloumi into roughly 1/4 inch thick pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Make sure your grill pan is clean.
A little olive oil on the pan will prevent sticking. For safety, always use tongs to handle the hot cheese! This step it can be made while you are thinking quick lunch ideas for one .
step-by-step Halloumi Grilling
- Heat your grill pan over medium heat until it's nice and hot.
- Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill.
- Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side.
- Look for that golden brown color and those lovely grill marks. Visual cue: The cheese should be slightly softened.
- Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly before adding to your salad.
Pro Tips for Halloumi Perfection
Don't overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed. Halloumi cooks super fast, so keep an eye on it. Watch out! Overcooked halloumi gets rubbery nobody wants that.
You can even grill it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge.
This salad fits perfectly into healthy work lunch recipes . Its a very good fit if you are looking for Mediterranean diet lunch recipes ! Not only that this recipe is also vegetarian lunch at home friendly.
The best part is that the entire process can be done with 30 minutes or less making it one of the 30 minute lunch recipes and it is super easy to do that will fit your budget friendly lunch recipes .
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It's a real game changer, especially when you are out of simple dishes dinner ideas !
Recipe Notes for Your Lemony Quinoa Salad
Right, so you're about to make this banging Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. But before you dive in headfirst, let's run through a few things.
These are all the bits and bobs I wish someone had told me the first time I tried something similar.
This could be one of your new favourite recipes for lunch at home . Seriously!
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look and Taste Good!
Honestly, presentation matters! Plating this salad is easy. Pile it high in a nice bowl. Add a generous helping of that golden halloumi on top.
A drizzle of extra dressing never hurts either! If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra herbs makes it look super posh.
For sides? A warm pita bread is a must. Seriously, that’s good. A glass of iced tea is perfect. Or even sparkling water if you're feeling virtuous.
For this easy cooking meal , remember you can serve it as one plate meal .
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe
Leftovers? No worries. This salad keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days .
The halloumi might lose a little of its oomph but will still be great.
Freezing? Not recommended. Quinoa can get a bit mushy when defrosted. Reheating? Best enjoyed cold. If you must warm it up, do it gently.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Got dietary needs? Or just fancy a change? No problem. For a vegetarian lunch at home , try swapping the halloumi with crumbled feta. Boom! Easy!
Want a bit of heat? Chuck a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for some spicy easy dinner recipes zing.
Seasonal ingredients are always a winner. Use what's fresh! Instead of cucumber, maybe try bell peppers. Get creative! Remember, bulgur wheat or cauliflower rice is fantastic 30 minute lunch recipes substitute for quinoa.
This can be a perfect way to add variety to Mediterranean diet lunch recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood!
This salad isn't just tasty. It's good for you too! It's packed with protein from the quinoa and halloumi. You’re also getting loads of vitamins from the veggies.
Think around 550 calories per serving. You'll get about 25g of protein , 35g of fat , and 35g of carbohydrates .
Plus, loads of fibre. All these nutrients will keep you going all afternoon. This is a healthy work lunch recipe that also fits into the budget friendly lunch recipes .
And that's it! Armed with these extra tips, you're ready to nail this salad. You’re just minutes away from enjoying quick lunch ideas for one .
Don't be afraid to get stuck in and tweak it to your taste. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good recipes for lunch at home that are quick and easy?
This Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi is a fantastic option! It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills. It's packed with fresh vegetables, protein from the quinoa and halloumi, and a vibrant lemon herb dressing, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for a midday meal, much better than a packet of crisps!
Can I make this quinoa salad ahead of time? I'm often rushed during my lunch break!
Absolutely! You can cook the quinoa the night before and store it in the fridge. Chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time too, keeping them separate. Then, just toss everything together and grill the halloumi when you're ready to eat.
Think of it as your own personal "Ready Steady Cook" challenge but with much tastier results!
I don't have halloumi; is there a good substitute for this recipe for lunch at home?
No worries! If you can't find halloumi, crumbled feta cheese is a great vegetarian alternative that will give you a similar salty tang. For a non-dairy option, you can use firm tofu, pressed to remove excess moisture and then pan-fried until golden.
It won't have the exact same squeaky texture, but it will still provide a good source of protein and a pleasant flavour.
What variations can I make to this recipe to suit my tastes?
There are loads of ways to customize this salad! For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. If you're not a fan of quinoa, try using couscous, bulgur wheat, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes would all work well.
How should I store any leftovers of this quinoa salad?
Leftover quinoa salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to store the grilled halloumi separately to prevent it from becoming soggy. Just add the halloumi when you're ready to eat.
It might not be quite as good as freshly made, but it will still be a delicious and convenient lunch option.
Is this Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad a healthy lunch option? What are the nutritional considerations?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great source of fiber. The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, and the olive oil is a healthy fat. Halloumi is high in protein and calcium, but also in sodium, so be mindful of portion sizes if you're watching your salt intake.
Overall, it's a well balanced and nutritious choice that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied, ready to tackle whatever the afternoon throws at you!
Lemony Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |
