• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Helpful GF
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Reviews
  • Work With Sharon
  • Quiz
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Reviews
  • Work With Sharon
  • Quiz
×
Home » Gluten-Free Recipes

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (gluten free & vegan)

Published: May 13, 2024 by Cassidy LaMarsh · Modified: Feb 22, 2025 · ✅Edited and Reviewed by: Sharon McCaskill, MA, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

50 shares
  • Share
  • Reddit
  • Flipboard

If you’re looking for a gluten free and vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad you are going to love this recipe! It's filled with flavors that remind me of my travels to the Mediterranean coast during college. And it's a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months.

This vibrant and nutritious salad blends fresh vegetables, quinoa and a simple but flavorful dressing. It’s fresh, tasty and super easy to prepare making it the perfect summer dish. 

Take this gluten free grain salad to your next neighborhood potluck - it will be the hit of the party!

Jump to Recipe SaveSaved!
Jump to:
  • 🌿Nutritional Benefits of this gluten-free quinoa salad recipe
  • 🥘Ingredients for Greek quinoa salad
  • 🔪Equipment Needed to make Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
  • 🥗How to Make this Gluten Free & Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe
  • Serving Suggestions for this Mediterranean Salad
  • How to Store Leftover Vegan Quinoa Salad
  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
  • More Mediterranean Gluten Free Recipes
A square white plate filled with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is sitting on a counter top.

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

🌿Nutritional Benefits of this gluten-free quinoa salad recipe

Mediterranean recipes like this gluten free grain salad are fresh, delicious and known for a multitude of health benefits. Some of the health highlights include:

  • Quinoa is a complete protein which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. But not only is quinoa high in protein, it is a good source of manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, folate and thiamin. It's a great addition to a traditional Mediterranean Cucumber Salad.
  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a good source of fiber as quinoa, cucumber and tomatoes are all high in fiber.
  • Recipes that are rich in olive oil are associated with improvements to cardiovascular health.

Unveil the keys to gluten-free success!
Get customized recipes, tips, and resources that match your unique vibe.

in post quiz graphic with image of sharon eating yogurt with text overlay: your custom gluten free blueprint awaits
Take the Quiz Now!

🥘Ingredients for Greek quinoa salad

One of the best things about Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is that if you don’t already have all of the ingredients at home, you’ll be able to find them anywhere! Your local grocery store, Amazon or Target should have what you need. You can also try Thrive Market, which is amazing for online ordering. 

I share all the reasons I love Thrive Market in my review post here. Check it out to see if it’s a great option for you too!

Save $ on GF Groceries
Get 30% OFF your first order and a FREE gift when you join Thrive Market!

Elevate your gluten-free lifestyle with the convenience of Thrive Market's grocery delivery – join now and discover a world of delicious and wholesome options delivered straight to your doorstep!

Get 30% OFF your first order and a FREE gift when you join Thrive Market!
Try it now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
On a white marbled countertop are several white bowls. In the middle is a large bowl of cooked quinoa. In smaller bowls surrounding the large bowl are black olives, red wine vinegar, cucumber, oil, tomatoes, lemon juice, and garlic. Underneath the bowls are salt and pepper shakers.

The ingredients needed to make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad are:

  • Cooked Quinoa
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Salt & Pepper

See recipe card below for quantities.

🔪Equipment Needed to make Quinoa Mediterranean Salad

This simple salad only requires a few tools to prepare. The equipment you’ll need includes:

  • Whisk
  • Bowls (1 large and 1 small)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

🥗How to Make this Gluten Free & Vegan Quinoa Salad Recipe

Start by preparing the vegetables. Slice and quarter the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes and olives.

A glass bowl sitting on a white marbled countertop is filled with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and black olives

Place the vegetables together in a large bowl and set the bowl aside.

In the small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic and salt and pepper. Use your whisk to combine.

A white ceramic bowl with oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic and salt and pepper is sitting on a white marbled countertop with a whisk inside the bowl

Add the cooked quinoa to the large bowl with the vegetables.

Drizzle the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients and gently mix with your wooden spoon or toss until combined. 

A glass bowl sitting on a white marbled countertop is filled with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives and cooked quinoa
A glass bowl sitting on a white marbled countertop is filled with salad ingredients. A white bowl with dressing is being poured into the bowl.

Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together. 

Serving Suggestions for this Mediterranean Salad

If you’re looking to get more plant based protein in this meal chickpeas or toasted pine nuts are a delicious and healthy addition. A sprinkling of vegan feta cheese can also elevate this dish with a creamy contrast. 

For a more substantial meal, consider grilling some vegetables and serving them alongside the salad. This can add protein and a smoky flavor that compliments the salad's fresh ingredients.

By the way, if you love this Greek-inspired quinoa salad recipe, you'll also love this Greek pasta! It has all the flavors of this dish but in gluten-free pasta form.

A bird's eye view of a square white plate filled with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is sitting on a counter top.

How to Store Leftover Vegan Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. I would not recommend freezing this dish.  

If your kitchen contains gluten free and gluten containing foods, colored containers like these are great for quickly identifying the gluten free foods in your fridge.

gluten free vegan mediterranean quinoa salad on white plate with bowl of tomatoes

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing and nutritious Gluten-Free Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! Perfect for any gathering, this easy-to-make dish combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the fresh zest of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, all tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing that's sure to satisfy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Chilling time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 122 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 set measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups cooked quinoa cooled
  • 1 cup English cucumber sliced and quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup olives halved
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Combine the cut cucumber, tomatoes, and olives in a large salad bowl, and set aside.
  • Add the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl, and whisk until well combined.
  • Add the cooked and cooled quinoa to the bowl of vegetables, then drizzle the dressing mixture over everything, and gently toss until combined.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Leftover quinoa works great for this recipe!
note: nutrition information is provided as a courtesy, but may not accurately reflect the final nutrition composition of your final dish depending on ingredients, substitutions, and serving size.
see the full blog post above post for:
  • ingredient and equipment suggestions & substitutions,
  • tips for modifying the recipe, and
  • frequently asked questions
Keyword gluten free meal, gluten free vegan, meal prep, quinoa salad, vegetarian

Did you love this quinoa gluten free salad recipe?

You’re going to want quick and easy access to this delicious quinoa salad recipe so be sure to save it to Pinterest for reference later. Plus it’ll be easy to share when all your friends start asking for the recipe!

More Mediterranean Gluten Free Recipes

  • Green Goddess Hummus
  • Homemade Greek Seasoning
  • Gluten Free Moussaka
  • Lemon Orzo Soup
On the bottom is a photo of a wooden spoon filled with the quinoa salad that is sitting in a white, square bowl in the background. On the top is a close-up of the salad. There is a mid section text overlay that says Mediterranean Quinoa Salad and on the bottom left corner is a small box overlay with the words Gluten Free and Vegan

More Gluten-Free Recipes

  • butterfly pea lemon tiramisou
    Butterfly Pea Lemon Tiramisu Recipe
  • thumbnail image for homemade gluten free ranch dressing
    Quick & Easy Homemade Gluten-Free Ranch Dressing – Creamy, Delicious, and Ready in 5 Minutes!
  • thumbnail image for gluten free taco tater tot casserole recipe
    Easy Taco Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Gluten-Free & Perfect for Busy Weeknights
  • thumbnail image for homemade gluten free oat milk
    How to Make Gluten-Free Oat Milk (Creamy Step-by-Step Recipe!)

Sharing is caring!

50 shares
  • Share
  • Reddit
  • Flipboard

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Sharon McCaskill, RDN and I'm so happy you are here! Welcome to The Helpful GF where I help you live gluten-free with confidence and without the stress. ♥

More about me →

Trending Articles & Recipes

  • thumbnail image of gluten free dairy free brunch recipes
    19 Gluten Free Dairy Free Brunch Recipes
  • pin image for low fodmap ideas and recipes
    16 Greatest Low FODMAP Gluten Free Recipes
  • Ruffle chips in a green bowl with text heading that says the best gluten free potato chips
    Best Gluten Free Potato Chips
  • thumbnail for gluten free comfort food post
    28 Gluten Free Comfort Food Recipes to Try

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Quiz
  • Shop

Please note that some of The Helpful GF's links are affiliate links, and TheHelpfulGF.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.

Copyright © 2025 The Helpful GF Sharon McCaskill, LLC

50 shares