Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe: How to Recreate This Fresh Favorite at Home

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe lovers, this one’s for you! If you’ve ever stood in the Costco deli aisle, debating whether to grab that massive tub of Mediterranean salad “just one more time,” you’re in good company. My kids can’t get enough of it—and honestly, neither can I. It’s fresh, tangy, hearty, and somehow manages to taste indulgent while still being totally good for you.

That perfect blend of fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a lemony olive oil vinaigrette… it’s downright addictive. And let’s be honest—Costco doesn’t always fit into the weekly grocery run. So, why not make this bowl of goodness at home?

For a different but equally craveable version, I also love making this Costco Mediterranean Orzo Salad—another big hit in our household that complements this quinoa-based one beautifully.

Today, I’m sharing my best Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe copycat version. It’s simple, loaded with vibrant flavors, and makes an excellent meal prep option. Whether you’re eating it straight from the bowl with a fork, scooping it up with pita chips, or pairing it with grilled chicken or falafel, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

And hey, if Mediterranean meals are your thing, you’ll love our Mediterranean Crunch Salad—a fresh and nutritious twist perfect for weekday lunches.

✨ Hungry for more? We share quick, healthy Mediterranean-style meals regularly—follow us on Pinterest for inspiration and behind-the-scenes kitchen fun.

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients: Everything You Need to Get That Signature Flavor

When it comes to making an authentic-tasting Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe at home, it’s all about nailing the right ingredients. Each component plays a big role in the overall texture and taste—so let’s break it down, piece by piece. Don’t worry, you won’t need anything fancy. In fact, you might already have most of this in your fridge or pantry!

The Must-Have Ingredients

1. Cooked Quinoa – This is the heart of the salad. Costco’s version uses red and white quinoa for that perfect nutty chew. Make sure it’s fully cooled before mixing it in.
2. English Cucumber – Crisp and juicy, this adds a refreshing crunch. Go for seedless, thin-skinned cucumbers if you can.
3. Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – Sweet and tangy. Cut them in halves or quarters so they blend in better with the mix.
4. Kalamata Olives – These bring a salty, briny punch. Pit them before chopping!
5. Crumbled Feta Cheese – For creaminess and a salty bite, use good-quality feta, ideally in block form that you crumble yourself.
6. Red Onion – Sharp, crunchy, and aromatic. Soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
7. Parsley & Mint – Fresh herbs are non-negotiable. Parsley adds vibrancy, while mint brings that surprising, fresh lift.
8. Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and a zingy backbone to the whole dish.
9. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A rich, smooth base for the dressing. Go for cold-pressed if possible.
10. Garlic & Oregano – For the dressing, these two flavor boosters round everything out.

Pro Tips for Ingredient Selection

• Quinoa Hack: Rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness. Or cook it in veggie broth for added depth!
• Budget Swap: If Kalamata olives are pricey, try black olives for a more accessible (though milder) version.
• Vegan Version: Skip the feta or sub with a plant-based alternative like almond feta or tofu feta.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop your veggies ahead and store them separately to keep everything fresh until mixing time.

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe Step-by-Step: How to Make It Just Right at Home

Recreating the Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe at home is easier than you think, and the real beauty lies in the layering of textures and bright Mediterranean flavors. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that stores well and tastes even better the next day. Let’s break it down into manageable steps so you get the same freshness and balance Costco delivers—with even more love.

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Quinoa

Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This step is essential—it removes the natural saponins that make quinoa taste bitter. Then, place the rinsed quinoa in a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. If you have time, chilling it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes gives the salad a fresher bite.

Tip: Want a deeper flavor? Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the quinoa. It adds a savory base that really brings the salad to life.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Vegetables

While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 English cucumber, halve or quarter about 1½ cups of cherry tomatoes, and finely dice ½ a red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, soak it in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes—this will mellow the bite without removing its crunch.

Chop about ½ cup of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of fresh mint. Don’t skip the herbs—they elevate the salad and give it that restaurant-quality freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the juice of 1 large lemon (around 3 tablespoons), ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add in some lemon zest for extra zing.

Shake or whisk until well blended. The lemon and olive oil base is what ties everything together—it should taste bright but balanced.

Tip: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. If it feels too sharp, add a touch more olive oil or a teaspoon of honey to round it out.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, herbs, ¼ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and about ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix—you want everything to stay crisp and not mushy.

Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Trust me, it gets even better as it rests.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Here’s where you make it your own. Add a bit more lemon juice if it needs brightness, more salt if it feels flat, or extra feta if you want it richer. You’re the chef in your kitchen, so tweak until it’s perfect for your palate.

This version of the Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe is flexible, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re serving it fresh for dinner, packing it for lunches, or bringing it to a barbecue, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about the Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe is how incredibly adaptable it is. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs, working with what you already have in the kitchen, or just wanting to try something new, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe without sacrificing flavor.

Gluten-Free & Grain Alternatives

While traditional Costco salad uses quinoa—a naturally gluten-free grain—you can easily substitute it based on what’s in your pantry or your texture preference:

• Couscous (for a classic Mediterranean twist) – Choose whole wheat couscous for more fiber, but remember it’s not gluten-free.
• Farro or Bulgur – Hearty and chewy, these add an earthy bite, but they do contain gluten.
• Brown Rice – A budget-friendly, gluten-free substitute that blends well with the dressing and veggies.
• Cauliflower Rice (low-carb option) – For those watching carbs, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well when seasoned generously.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Options

If you’re avoiding dairy or following a vegan lifestyle, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the creamy, salty kick that feta provides:

• Vegan Feta Cheese – Made from coconut oil or tofu, many brands offer the same briny flavor and crumbly texture.
• Tofu Crumbles with Lemon and Herbs – Marinate firm tofu in lemon juice, oregano, and salt to mimic feta’s tangy profile.
• Avocado Chunks – Not an exact substitute, but it adds richness and pairs beautifully with the lemony vinaigrette.

Herb Variations

Parsley and mint are traditional, but don’t be afraid to mix it up:

• Fresh Dill – Adds a subtle anise flavor that’s particularly refreshing.
• Basil – A bold, sweet twist that’s great in summer.
• Cilantro – While not typically Mediterranean, cilantro lovers may enjoy its fresh, citrusy pop.

Boost the Protein

If you want to make the salad more filling, add a protein of your choice:

• Grilled Chicken – Classic pairing that keeps the dish light yet hearty.
• Chickpeas – A vegetarian favorite that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Tuna or Salmon – Adds a bold, savory note and makes the salad more of a full meal.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Another easy, protein-rich add-on that works well for meal prepping.

Spice It Up

The original salad is pretty mild, but if you like a little heat:

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Mix in some diced pepperoncini or banana peppers for a tangy kick.
• Use spicy feta or harissa for bold Mediterranean spice.

The beauty of this Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe is that it acts like a blank canvas. You can dress it up or down, make it vegan or protein-rich, switch the grains or play with the herbs—it’s all about customizing to your taste and lifestyle.

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe Storage and Preservation Tips

Once you’ve made a big bowl of this delicious Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe, the next question is—how do you keep it tasting fresh over the next few days? Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, proper storage makes all the difference in maintaining texture, flavor, and overall quality. Here’s how to do it right.

Refrigeration: The Golden Rule

The salad should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as it’s cooled to room temperature after preparation. Place it in an airtight container to keep moisture out and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. A glass container with a tight-sealing lid works best to maintain freshness without transferring flavors or odors.

Properly stored, the salad stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 to 4 days. It may still be edible after that, but the texture will decline, especially from the cucumbers and tomatoes releasing water.

Keep the Dressing Separate for Longer Shelf Life

If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time for the week, consider storing the dressing separately from the salad ingredients. This helps keep everything crisp, especially the cucumbers, herbs, and tomatoes. Mix in the dressing just before eating to maintain the salad’s vibrant texture and prevent sogginess.

A quick tip: You can store the dressing in a mason jar, and just give it a good shake before pouring it over your serving.

Avoid Freezing—Here’s Why

Although quinoa freezes quite well on its own, the complete salad does not. Freezing cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs changes their texture significantly—they turn mushy and watery once thawed. This will affect the integrity of the salad and is not recommended.

If you want to save time, what you can do is batch-cook and freeze plain quinoa. Then defrost as needed, and mix it fresh with the other salad ingredients.

How to Revive Leftovers

If your salad has been sitting for a couple of days and seems a bit dry or dull, don’t toss it. Here’s how to bring it back to life:

• Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Sprinkle in some extra feta or chopped herbs for brightness.
• Add freshly chopped cucumbers or tomatoes for renewed crunch.

This refresh trick works especially well if you’re serving it to guests or packing it for lunch after a couple of days in the fridge.

Bringing the Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe to Your Table

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering the Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe at home. It’s healthy, flavorful, and ultra-flexible. You can scale it up for events or prep small portions for lunchboxes—and every variation still feels like a treat.

Love what you just made? You’ll probably enjoy our Mediterranean Orzo Salad and Crunch Salad variation just as much.

For more vibrant recipes that fit your busy life, don’t forget to check out what we’re pinning over on Pinterest. It’s full of mealtime inspiration, kitchen hacks, and the Mediterranean flavors you crave.

Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe: How to Recreate This Fresh Favorite at Home

Kathleen ron

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American (Copycat Recipes), American, Mediterranean, greek, Middle Eastern

Servings 6 people

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup quinoa red and white blend preferred
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 English cucumber diced
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
• ½ red onion finely diced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Cook the Quinoa:

• Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:

• While quinoa cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the parsley and mint.

Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, herbs, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve:

• Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
• Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: ~300
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg

Keyword Costco Mediterranean salad recipe, gluten-free Mediterranean salad