The Honey-Dijon Balsamic Dressing Doubles as a Marinade
Mediterranean flavor profiles are one of my personal all-time favorites. This dish is filled with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Pine Nuts, Feta, Kalamata Olives, Olive Oil…. SO good. Add to that, the Mediterranean way of eating is extremely healthy, clean and promotes longevity. I am IN!!
TIME-SAVING TIP
Double-up on the Quinoa & Dressing
By now you all know that although I DO enjoy cooking, I’m not into spending every freaking day in the kitchen making brand new meals from scratch. I pretty much ALWAYS double up on recipes for multiple meals throughout the week.
Quinoa: Extra Sides + Delicious Breakfast Bowls
Here – I made the entire package of Quinoa, used 2-cups for the recipe and put the rest in the fridge. I used leftovers for sides, OR I made another quinoa salad except with chicken or shrimp.
FOR FAST BREAKFASTS – I put 1-cup of Quinoa in a bowl, heat in the microwaves, add a little Almond Milk, Cinnamon, Fresh blueberries and some chopped almonds.
Dressing: Use for Marinades, Drizzle over Roasted Veggies
The dressing recipe below will give you plenty for leftovers. Put the rest in the fridge and use to Marinade Meat or Seafood during the week. It’s also excellent drizzled over roasted vegetables!
And OMG!!! HOW CUTE are these Jars!!?? I LOVE!!! I just bought them on Amazon. They come in a 6-pack, and worked perfectly for the dressing (just throw-in all ingredients, shake and store). AND I use them to make OVERNIGHT OATS for the week! Each jar stores 2-Servings of Overnight Oats fyi. I tested it 😉
I used these jars for Dressing AND 4 days of Overnight Oats. Each jar holds 2 servings.
Make it Vegetarian
I’m not a Vegetarian but sometimes I don’t want to spend the time making a protein like salmon (you can also swap out salmon for grilled shrimp or chicken, FYI), but still want to make sure that I’m eating a good protein.
To do so, add a 15-oz can of Chickpeas to the recipe below OR 1/3 cup for a single serving. Easy & filling!
Make it Vegetarian with a can of Chickpeas for protein. Omit Chickpeas & Salmon to serve as a simple side.
Use As a Marinade for Meat & Seafood. Drizzle over Roasted Veggies too!
THE VIDEO. Make it with me!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Salmon | Gluten-Free, Easy, Healthy
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz filets of fresh Salmon
- 2 cup cooked Quinoa
- 1½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, halved
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta
- ⅓ cup loosely packed fresh basil, julienned
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Dressing
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- kosher salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add Dressing ingredients to a Jar, Shake & Set Aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix prepared Quinoa, Veggies, Feta, Basil & Pine Nuts
- Divide evently between plates & top each with Salmon fillet.
