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
Scale
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.
