Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta
Fluffy quinoa gives this salad a hearty base, but the fresh vegetables, olives, herbs and feta are what keep it lively. Lemon and olive oil soak into the grains, carrying oregano and salty feta through every forkful instead of leaving the dressing at the bottom of the bowl.
Cool the quinoa before adding cucumber and herbs so they stay crisp and fresh. The salad is good at room temperature and also holds up well for lunch the next day.
Quinoa Salad Needs Cool Grains and Sharp Dressing
- Plant-forward Mediterranean meal
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta holds up well when you are planning lunches ahead.
- Naturally gluten-free ingredients
- Lots of fresh vegetables
- Good as a side or light lunch
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta
Mediterranean quinoa salad combines fluffy quinoa, cucumber, tomato, olives, herbs and feta with a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa 170 g, rinsed
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth 480 ml
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes 150 g, halved
- 1 cup cucumber 120 g, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 red onion finely diced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives 50 g, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta 75 g
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 12–15 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa and cool to room temperature.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, feta and parsley.
- Pour over the dressing and toss gently.
- Chill or serve at room temperature.
Notes
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.
A Better Result Starts Before the Timer Does
- Rinse quinoa to reduce bitterness.
- Cool quinoa before adding feta and fresh vegetables.
- Dice vegetables evenly.
- Taste after chilling and adjust lemon or salt.
A Simple Plate to Build Around This
- Greek chicken souvlaki
- Mediterranean salmon
- Hummus
- Grilled Vegetables
A Few Good Recipes to Follow This One
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What to Know Before You Refrigerate It
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently when appropriate, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens during storage.
