Are you in the mood for a refreshing, nutritious, and incredibly delicious salad? Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a dinner party, a quick lunch, or a light snack, quinoa salad with feta is a perfect choice. This salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the nutty quinoa to the tangy feta, complemented by the crisp freshness of vegetables. It’s versatile, healthy, and easy to make, and it’s packed with essential nutrients to keep you feeling energized throughout the day.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to prepare the best quinoa salad with feta, using seven simple, fresh ingredients that you’ll love. Along with the recipe, we’ll also share tips for perfecting this dish, ways to customize it, and storage suggestions to ensure you always have this healthy salad on hand.
Ingredients:
For the best quinoa salad with feta, here are the seven essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Quinoa – 1 cup (uncooked)
- Feta cheese – 1/2 cup (crumbled or cubed)
- Cucumber – 1 medium (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup (halved)
- Red onion – 1/4 medium (finely diced)
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Lemon – 1 (juiced)
These ingredients will provide the perfect balance of textures and flavors for your salad. You’ll enjoy the earthy crunch of quinoa, the creaminess of feta, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the refreshing crispness of cucumber and lemon.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by preparing the quinoa, which forms the base of your salad. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Then, add it to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth (for extra flavor). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After the quinoa absorbs the liquid, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains, then set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, take the time to prepare your fresh vegetables. Dice 1 medium cucumber and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Finely chop 1/4 of a medium red onion. These vegetables will add crunch and a burst of freshness to your salad, balancing out the richness of the feta cheese.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once the quinoa has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, and onion) and toss everything together. This mixture of vibrant ingredients will form the base of your quinoa salad.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Crumble or cube 1/2 cup of feta cheese and add it to the salad. The creamy, salty feta is what truly elevates the dish, creating a savory contrast to the freshness of the veggies and the nuttiness of the quinoa.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon. This simple dressing will bring everything together, adding a zesty, smooth finish to the salad. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything gently until well combined. If desired, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the quinoa salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more refreshing. However, it can be served immediately if you’re short on time.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Rinse the quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural coating, known as saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t overcook the quinoa: Overcooked quinoa can become mushy and lose its texture. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and let it rest after cooking to ensure the grains remain fluffy.
- Use high-quality feta: The quality of feta cheese can make a big difference in flavor. Opt for a block of feta that you can crumble or cube yourself, as pre-crumbled feta often lacks the same creamy texture and flavor.
- Chill the salad: Although you can serve this salad right after preparation, allowing it to chill gives the flavors a chance to develop and infuse throughout the ingredients.
- Balance the dressing: If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. For a creamier dressing, you can mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a little honey.
Variations
One of the best things about this quinoa salad with feta is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the salad based on your preferences:
- Add greens: Throw in some fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for added color and nutrition.
- Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can easily swap it out for goat cheese, cotija, or even a sharp cheddar.
- Include olives: Kalamata olives or green olives bring a savory, briny bite that pairs wonderfully with the feta.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp.
- Try different veggies: Swap the cucumber and tomatoes for other vegetables like roasted red peppers, zucchini, or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste!
Conservation and Storage
This quinoa salad stores well, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it for a longer period, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: While quinoa can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables and feta will not hold up well after freezing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Serving Suggestions
Quinoa salad with feta is a versatile dish that can complement a variety of meals. Here are some great ways to serve it:
- As a main dish: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make this salad a filling, nutritious meal.
- As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or a vegetarian platter. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a creamy dip like hummus.
- As a picnic dish: This salad holds up well outdoors, making it an excellent option for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Conclusion
Quinoa salad with feta is a refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish to prepare. With just seven simple ingredients, you can create a nutritious and vibrant salad that works for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to a dinner table. By following the detailed instructions, incorporating the tips, and experimenting with variations, you can customize the salad to your liking.
This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With the right balance of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, quinoa salad with feta is a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the versatility and flavor that this simple salad brings to your table!
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Best Quinoa Salad Feta: 7 Fresh Ingredients You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing, nutritious, and delicious salad with a perfect balance of flavors and textures from quinoa, feta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Quinoa – 1 cup (uncooked)
Feta cheese – 1/2 cup (crumbled or cubed)
Cucumber – 1 medium (diced)
Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup (halved)
Red onion – 1/4 medium (finely diced)
Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
Lemon – 1 (juiced)
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
In a medium saucepan, add quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables
Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and finely chop 1/4 of a red onion.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the prepared vegetables and toss gently.
Add the Feta
Crumble or cube 1/2 cup of feta cheese and add to the salad.
Dress the Salad
Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon.
Pour over the salad and toss gently. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Chill and Serve
Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Rinse the quinoa: Always rinse quinoa to remove its bitter coating.
Don’t overcook quinoa: Ensure quinoa remains fluffy by following the cooking instructions closely.
Use quality feta: Opt for a block of feta to crumble yourself for a creamier texture.
Chill for flavor: Let the salad chill to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: quinoa, feta, healthy, salad, fresh, Mediterranean, vegetarian
