Looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing! This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the crispness of fresh cucumbers and the creamy tang of feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon dill dressing. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something light and healthy, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step helps to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables and dressing. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes the saponin coating, which can impart a bitter taste. A fine mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: To achieve fluffy quinoa, make sure to let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the grains to steam and become light and airy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for ripe cucumbers and good-quality feta cheese—these will make a noticeable difference in your salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish with Extra Dill: For a pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing your salad with additional fresh dill before serving. It adds a lovely touch and makes the dish visually appealing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
