Imagine transporting yourself to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with just one bite – no passport required! This Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta is not just a dish, it's a culinary vacation that combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors, protein-packed quinoa, and the creamy, tangy allure of feta cheese. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and anyone craving a refreshing, nutritious meal that feels like a gourmet experience but takes only 35 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Quinoa, rinsed
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cucumber, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and finely chop 1/4 of a red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
- Once the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before adding it to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the quinoa and vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Serve the Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta in bowls, garnished with additional feta or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin coating, ensuring a clean, nutty flavor.
- Let the quinoa cool slightly before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- For maximum flavor, allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, letting the dressing marinate the ingredients.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients – especially extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Feel free to customize by adding kalamata olives, fresh mint, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 361kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
