This Greek quinoa salad is a nutritious and refreshing dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side at dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Customize it with your favorite ingredients like olives or grilled chicken for added protein.
Vibrant Ingredients
This Greek quinoa salad bursts with color and freshness, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Each ingredient plays a vital role, starting with fluffy quinoa, which serves as the base.
Diced cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, while halved cherry tomatoes bring a sweet juiciness.
The red onion contributes a sharp bite, and diced bell peppers introduce a hint of sweetness, creating a delightful medley of flavors.
Feta Cheese and Dressing
Crumbled feta cheese is the star topping, offering a creamy texture that complements the crisp vegetables beautifully.
To tie everything together, a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing is drizzled over the salad.
This dressing not only enhances the flavors but also adds a bright, tangy note that elevates the entire dish.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick.
Start by cooking the quinoa, which takes about 15 minutes.
While it cools, chop the vegetables and whisk together the dressing.
Once everything is ready, combine the quinoa, veggies, and feta in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss gently.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile and can be served in various ways.
Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.
For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as olives or additional herbs.
Storage and Meal Prep
One of the great aspects of this salad is its meal prep potential.
It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays or gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
This Greek quinoa salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Each serving is packed with essential nutrients, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
With its combination of fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, it’s a satisfying choice for anyone looking to eat healthily.
Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad
This salad features fluffy quinoa tossed with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers, all topped with crumbled feta cheese and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooling, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g