If you are searching for a bright, refreshing, and satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor along with wholesome ingredients, the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant salad combines the nuttiness of quinoa with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the tangy richness of feta cheese, all tied together with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a feast for your senses and a healthy choice that suits lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty side. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, offering freshness and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is wonderfully simple yet essential. Together, they create a harmony of textures and flavors, from crunchy and juicy to creamy and savory. Each component plays an important role in making the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe so irresistible and colorful.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa: The hearty base that soaks up all the bright dressing and adds protein and fiber.
- 2 cups water: For perfectly cooking the quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with sweetness and adding a juicy pop of color.
- 1 cup cucumber (diced): Brings a refreshing crunch and coolness to the salad.
- ½ cup kalamata olives (sliced): A salty, tangy element that brings authentic Mediterranean flair.
- â…“ cup red onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle pungency and texture contrast.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped): Offers a fresh herbal brightness that lightens the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness with fruity, smooth notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds zesty acidity that lifts the salad’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Gives a gentle tang and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The classic Mediterranean herb to deepen and warm the taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little spice to balance and round out the dish.
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa Perfectly
Start by rinsing the quinoa well under cold water to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. This small step makes a big difference in taste. Then, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. When done, take it off the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork and allow it to cool completely before moving on. This fluffy, cool quinoa is the base where all the other flavors will shine.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Cheese
While the quinoa cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the kalamata olives, and finely chop the red onion and parsley. Crumble the feta cheese if it’s not already crumbled. These fresh, colorful ingredients are what give the salad its vibrant personality and the perfect balance of textures from crunchy to creamy.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This lemony, herbal dressing is the soul of the salad, brightening every bite with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Toss Gently
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, feta, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every ingredient is lightly coated. The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe truly comes alive at this stage, as all the layers of flavor mingle.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the ingredients to marinate and the dressing to infuse the quinoa and vegetables with its delightful zest.
How to Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few final touches before serving can elevate your salad presentation and taste. Sprinkle extra crumbled feta on top for a creamy finish and scatter some additional chopped parsley for a pop of vivid green. A few whole kalamata olives or a lemon wedge also look lovely and invite guests to customize their bites.
Side Dishes
This salad stands beautifully on its own for a light meal but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. Serve alongside warm pita bread or a bowl of hummus to round out a Mediterranean-themed spread that’s hearty yet refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the bowl? Serve the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of mixed greens for a visually stunning dish. For gatherings, fill small individual cups with the salad and garnish with a sprig of parsley for an easy, elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is a meal prep dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the salad tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
Freezing
Since the salad contains fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the ingredients will degrade. To keep the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe tasting fresh, it’s best to prepare only what you can enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for about 15 minutes to take the chill off, but avoid microwaving as it will affect the texture and flavor balance of the fresh ingredients and feta cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or some toasted nuts for added texture and protein.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some roasted vegetables for a personal twist on the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or healthy snacks throughout the week.
What can I serve this salad with for a full meal?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a side to roasted vegetables and warm bread, making it a versatile choice to round out any meal.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delicious, healthy salad that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and textures, give the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe a try. It’s simple to prepare, looks stunning on the table, and delights every palate. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back for this perfect blend of fresh and savory tastes again and again.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta combines fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. This colorful salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish and can be made ahead, making it ideal for meal prep with a refreshing flavor profile and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
Vegetables and Mix-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- â…“ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed completely.
- Rest and Cool Quinoa: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced kalamata olives, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
- For added protein, try incorporating chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- To make the salad dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
