quinoa feta salad recipe

The Best quinoa feta salad recipe

I have been making quinoa feta salad for years, and it’s a staple in my household. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes is a classic.

I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s great for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. My kids adore the crunchy texture of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes. The quinoa provides a nice base, and the feta adds a tangy flavor.

This salad is also incredibly easy to make, which is why I often turn to it when I’m short on time. I’ve experimented with various combinations of ingredients, but this one remains my favorite. My family and I enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish for grilled meats or vegetables.

I appreciate how nutritious this recipe is too – quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, while the feta provides calcium and flavor without adding excess calories. This salad has become a regular in our household, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do. One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes.

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to give it an extra boost of flavor. The key to making this salad shine is using high-quality ingredients – fresh vegetables, good quinoa, and authentic feta cheese make all the difference. I’ve learned that using pre-cooked quinoa saves time without sacrificing taste, so don’t be afraid to use that shortcut if you’re short on time.

Quinoa Feta Salad

4.9 from 1632 votes

A fresh and hearty salad featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy feta cheese, and crisp vegetables. Tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup sliced black olives

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
3Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
4While the quinoa cools, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
6In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and sliced black olives.
7Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
8Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
10Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Whisk
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and add diced avocado or toasted chickpeas. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Quinoa Feta Salad Works

This quinoa feta salad recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or need a quick weeknight meal.

It’s easy to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

For serving ideas, consider adding some toasted pita bread on the side for croutons or using cherry tomatoes as garnish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Quinoa Feta Salad

Q: What type of quinoa should I use for this recipe?

For this quinoa feta salad recipe, you can use either white or red quinoa – both work beautifully! White quinoa has a milder flavor and softer texture, while red quinoa has a slightly nuttier taste and firmer texture.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for feta?

While feta cheese is essential to this recipe’s flavor profile, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta if you prefer milder flavors.

Q: How do I prevent the salad from becoming too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure to drain any excess moisture from the chopped cucumbers before adding them to the salad mix.

Q: Can I add cooked chicken or other protein sources to make this recipe more substantial?

Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or other protein sources of your choice to make this salad more substantial.

Q: Is there an alternative to feta cheese for vegans?

Vegans can substitute feta cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan feta cheese or tofu crumbles.

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