Name: Best Quinoa Salad Feta: 7 Reasons You'll Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite quinoa salad! This best quinoa salad feta is not just any salad—it’s a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that make my taste buds dance! I love how refreshing it is, especially on warm days when I crave something light yet filling. With the creamy feta crumbles mingling perfectly with crisp veggies, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Seriously, whether I’m hosting a summer BBQ or just needing a quick lunch, this salad is my go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

best quinoa salad feta - detail 1

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 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare the Best Quinoa Salad Feta

Rinse and Cook the Quinoa

First things first, let’s get that quinoa ready! I always rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer, which helps remove any bitterness. Just give it a good swish for about 30 seconds. Next, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Once it’s bubbling, add that rinsed quinoa, stir it a bit, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—when all the water is absorbed and the quinoa looks fluffy, it’s done! Fluff it up with a fork and let it cool while you prep the veggies.

Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Now, let’s talk veggies! Grab your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half—this adds such a lovely burst of flavor. Dice your cucumber and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop that red onion. I love using fresh ingredients; it makes such a difference in taste! Just imagine the crunch of the cucumber and the sweetness of the bell pepper mingling with the other ingredients. Yum!

Combine Ingredients

Once your quinoa is cool, it’s time to party! In a large mixing bowl, combine those gorgeous veggies with the crumbled feta cheese. Then, gently fold in the cooled quinoa. This step is crucial—mixing while the quinoa is warm can make the feta melt, and we want those lovely chunks intact!

Season and Serve

Finally, drizzle in the olive oil and squeeze in that fresh lemon juice—oh, the aroma is heavenly! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a good toss. Make sure it’s all evenly coated. For the best flavor, serve this salad chilled. I promise you, every bite will be a refreshing explosion of goodness! Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
Nutrient-packed, making it a healthy choice for meals.
Loaded with fresh, vibrant flavors that burst in your mouth.
Versatile—you can mix in any veggies you have on hand!
Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge.
Gorgeous presentation that impresses at any gathering.
Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!

Tips for Success

To make this best quinoa salad feta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always rinse your quinoa to eliminate any bitterness—it makes such a difference in flavor! For even more depth, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking it; this adds a lovely nutty taste. Also, don’t hesitate to play around with the veggies! Adding some diced avocados or even a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the salad. Finally, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all those flavors mingle beautifully. Trust me, you’ll love it even more!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying the best quinoa salad feta, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Each serving (about 1 cup) is packed with nutrients, offering around 250 calories. You’ll get a delightful mix of 12g of fat, including 3g of saturated fat, and a healthy 8g of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, there are 30g of carbohydrates, with 5g of fiber to help you feel full and energized. And don’t forget, these values are estimates, so be sure to adjust based on your specific ingredients. It’s a delicious, guilt-free option for any meal!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for feta cheese? If you’re not a fan of feta, you can try crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free feta alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Can I add different vegetables? Yes, feel free to mix in any veggies you love! Spinach, kale, or even roasted veggies can work beautifully in this best quinoa salad feta.

Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does it last in the fridge? This salad stays fresh for about 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it for lunch or as a side throughout the week!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your best quinoa salad feta is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, so you can enjoy it for lunches or as a quick snack throughout the week. Now, if you find yourself wanting to warm it up, I recommend using a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s just warmed through. But honestly, I think it’s best served chilled—those fresh flavors really shine that way! Enjoy every bite!

Best Quinoa Salad Feta: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing quinoa salad with feta cheese, perfect for a healthy meal.

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
In a pot, bring water to a boil.
Add quinoa and reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese.
Add cooled quinoa to the bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss everything together and serve chilled.