Let me tell you, this best quinoa salad feta is a game changer! It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate, with every bite bringing together the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients. Quinoa, oh my goodness, it’s not just a trendy superfood; it’s a wonderful base that’s both nutty and hearty. Pair it with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta, and you have a flavor party happening right in your mouth! The olive oil and lemon dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or just a light lunch at home. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking. It really helps to get rid of that bitter coating! And feel free to adjust the veggies based on what you love or have on hand. This salad is super flexible!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this best quinoa salad feta! I promise you, it’s super straightforward and downright satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time!
Preparing the Quinoa
First things first, you’ll want to rinse your quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step is essential because it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. Once rinsed, toss the quinoa into a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an extra 5 minutes to fluff up. Finally, use a fork to fluff the quinoa and let it cool down a bit while you prep the veggies.
Combining the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, throw in your halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. Now here’s where the magic happens! Gently add in your cooled quinoa to this vibrant veggie medley. Mix everything together with a spatula, being careful not to mush the feta too much. You want those beautiful chunks to remain intact!
Making the Dressing
Now for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. I like to whisk it until it’s well combined—this makes it easier to distribute over the salad later. If you want a little extra zing, feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat!
Final Assembly
Pour the dressing over your salad and give it a good toss to combine everything beautifully. Serve this refreshing quinoa salad chilled or at room temperature—both are delicious! It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a meal prep option. Trust me, the flavors only get better as they sit! Enjoy every bite, my friend!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed in this best quinoa salad feta! It’s not just tasty; it’s also pretty healthy! Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you get in a one-cup serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
This salad is a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a filling meal or side dish. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they can vary a bit based on specific ingredients used. But trust me, you’re going to love how nutritious and delicious this salad is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Refreshing and flavorful, with a delightful crunch from the veggies.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with protein and fiber.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers; it keeps well in the fridge!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your best quinoa salad feta turns out perfect every time! Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse! Seriously, don’t skip the rinsing step for your quinoa. It truly helps eliminate any bitterness and gives you a lovely, nutty flavor.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have or love! Bell peppers can be replaced with zucchini, and you can add in some grated carrots or even some diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Fresh herbs are key: If you can, use fresh parsley instead of dried. The flavor is so much brighter! You can also mix in some fresh mint or basil for a fun twist.
- Make it ahead: This salad stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, so it’s a great option for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to make it a few days in advance to keep everything fresh.
- Go big on flavor: If you love a bit of a kick, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dressing. It’ll give your salad a nice zing!
- Storage tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving, as the flavors will meld together beautifully over time!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a quinoa salad pro in no time. Enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This best quinoa salad feta is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a while, so it’s a win-win! Just prepare the salad as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re making it a day or two ahead, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your veggies stay crisp and fresh!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, no worries! You can swap it out for crumbled goat cheese, which has a nice tangy flavor. For a vegan option, try using tofu that’s been crumbled and marinated in some lemon juice and herbs for a bit of extra flavor. You could also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’ll be good to go! After a day or two, the quinoa and veggies will soak up the dressing, making the flavors even more delicious. Just give it a light toss before serving to redistribute everything!
Can I add more vegetables?
Oh, definitely! This salad is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with the veggies! You can add in diced zucchini, shredded carrots, or even some roasted red peppers for an extra flavor boost. Chopped spinach or arugula can also be tossed in for some added greens. Mix and match based on what you love or have in your fridge!
What can I serve with this salad?
This best quinoa salad feta makes a fantastic side dish, but it can also stand alone as a light meal. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel for some protein. It’s also great alongside a piece of crusty bread or served with a refreshing tzatziki dip. You could even enjoy it as a filling on a wrap—so many delicious options!
For more delicious salad recipes, check out this Greek salad or this Caprese salad!
Imprimer
Best Quinoa Salad Feta: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing quinoa salad with feta cheese and vegetables.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables based on your preference.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: quinoa salad, feta salad, best quinoa salad feta
