If you’re looking for a dish that screams freshness, look no further than my best quinoa salad with feta! This vibrant salad is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly healthy and super easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made a quinoa salad — I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a picnic treat. Plus, the combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta just can’t be beaten. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’s going to become a go-to in your kitchen! Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Rinse and Cook Quinoa
First things first, you’ll want to rinse your quinoa under cold water. This step is super important because it helps to wash away the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter. Once you’ve rinsed it well, combine the quinoa and water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When you see little spirals (the germ) separating from the quinoa, it’s a sign that it’s done! Remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes while you prep the veggies.
Prepare the Vegetables
Now, while the quinoa is cooling, grab your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re like me and love a little crunch, make sure not to rush this step! The texture really makes a difference in the final dish. Once everything’s prepped, toss those delightful veggies into a large bowl along with the crumbled feta cheese. Oh, the colors are going to be so vibrant!
Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time for the fun part! Add that cooled quinoa to your bowl of veggies and feta. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the top, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. I love to make sure every bite has a little bit of everything! You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, but I like to let it sit for a few minutes to let those flavors meld together. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can’t give you exact numbers, I can share some typical nutritional values for this delicious quinoa salad. Each serving (about 1 cup) usually contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Just remember, these values are approximate and can change based on what you decide to throw into your salad. It’s always a good idea to check your ingredients for the most accurate information!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The fresh flavors of the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese are a match made in heaven!
- This salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied.
- It’s versatile! You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy snack.
- Best of all, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone at your table.
- It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can meal prep and have it ready to go!
- The bright, colorful ingredients are a feast for the eyes, making it a stunning addition to any meal.
Tips for Success
Ready to take your best quinoa salad with feta to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Don’t skip the rinse: Seriously, rinsing the quinoa is key to avoiding that bitter taste. I can’t stress this enough!
- Herb it up: If you want to add a fresh twist, toss in some chopped parsley or mint. It brings a whole new flavor dimension that I absolutely adore.
- Mix up the veggies: Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, avocados, or even roasted sweet potatoes can add a lovely touch. Just make sure to keep the textures in mind!
- Go easy on the dressing: You can always start with less olive oil and lemon juice, then add more if you like it extra zesty! Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Let it chill: I love to let my salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together!
- Serving suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Or, serve it on a bed of greens for a refreshing lunch option!
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner. It holds up well in the fridge for up to three days!
With these tips, you’re all set to impress with your quinoa salad! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
One of the best things about my best quinoa salad with feta is how easy it is to customize! You can really make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Here are some of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:
- Herb Explosion: Swap out parsley for fresh basil, dill, or cilantro. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, and they all pair beautifully with feta!
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for an extra crunch. The nutty flavor adds a wonderful depth to the salad.
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in some diced apples or pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness. It creates a delightful contrast with the savory feta!
- Roasted Veggies: Try adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely charred flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’s a great way to spice things up!
- Avocado Bliss: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado right before serving. It makes the salad even more satisfying and adds healthy fats!
- Grain Swap: Mix things up by using farro, couscous, or even bulgur instead of quinoa. Each grain brings its own texture and flavor profile!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand and make this salad uniquely yours. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my best quinoa salad with feta is super simple, and you’ll definitely want to keep some for later! First off, make sure the salad is completely cool before you tuck it away in the fridge. I recommend using an airtight container to keep everything fresh and prevent any odors from mingling. It’ll stay good for up to three days, but I bet it won’t last that long — it’s just that tasty!
If you find that the salad has absorbed some of the dressing after a day in the fridge, don’t worry! Just drizzle a little more olive oil and lemon juice over it before serving, and give it a good toss to revive those flavors. As for reheating, I actually prefer enjoying this salad cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to heat it up! Just grab a fork and dig in straight from the fridge. But if you’re feeling like a warm dish, you can gently warm up individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to take the chill off.
Whatever you choose, I know you’re going to love every bite of this refreshing salad, even as leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I make this quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. You can prepare it a day in advance, which is perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Just remember to keep it in an airtight container!
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing or you want to switch it up, try crumbled goat cheese or even some shredded mozzarella. They both add a nice creaminess and flavor, just in a different way!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh for about three days when stored properly in the fridge. Just keep an eye on the veggies; if they start to look a little sad, it might be time to toss it!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp would be fantastic additions. They’ll offer a nice boost of protein and make it even more filling. Just mix them in when you combine the ingredients!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Enjoy it worry-free!
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. I love it right out of the fridge, but it’s also great alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread!
Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini would work beautifully. Just chop them up and toss them in!
How do I prevent the quinoa from being mushy?
To avoid mushy quinoa, make sure you rinse it well before cooking. Also, stick to the water-to-quinoa ratio and cooking time—this keeps it fluffy and light!
Mediterranean quinoa salad is a great alternative to try if you want to mix things up!
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best quinoa salad feta: 7 Fresh Ingredients You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing quinoa salad with feta cheese that is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped vegetables and feta cheese.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust ingredients based on preference.
- Add herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: best quinoa salad feta
