Orange Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Olives, and Feta

By My Pantry Shelf
February 6, 2011
9 Comments
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Author Notes: Orange Quinoa Salad with Almonds, Olives, and Feta features Satsuma Mandarins with both the diced fruit and zest being tossed throughout. The sweet-tart citrus pairs nicely with the salty olive and the nutty almond. The feta adds a bit of tangy creaminess. I last served this dish with grilled chicken and a big green salad. Enjoy. - My Pantry Shelf —My Pantry Shelf

Food52 Review: This light, brightly flavored grain-based salad was a huge hit at our house. As he was tucking into his third serving, my husband Mr. T declared, “Wow, this is so good. I could eat a lot of this.” (At that point, he already had. He couldn't stop raving about it.) The zingy olives, refreshing—and very pretty—orange segments, tart feta and chopped parsley play off each other beautifully, while the almonds add a nice contrast in texture. My Pantry Shelf’s method for cooking the quinoa yields fluffy, separate grains, making it just perfect for this salad. I can easily see substituting tomatoes for the oranges when the seasons change. Very nicely done!! —AntoniaJames

Serves: 6 as a side dish

The Quinoa

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup onion, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
  2. Place quinoa in a fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly with water.
  3. Add quinoa to pot with onions. Add water and salt.
  4. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cook 15 minutes or so until the water is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool.

Putting it Together

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • zest from one satsuma mandarin
  • 3 satsuma mandarin oranges, peeled, segmented, and diced
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
  1. Toss cooled quinoa mixture and remaining ingredients together.
  2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Grains|Salad|Side|Serves a Crowd|Vegetarian|Winter

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