Quick Quinoa Salad with Feta

Name: Quick Quinoa Salad with Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Meal Recipes

I love whipping up this Quick Quinoa Salad with Feta when I need a healthy meal in a flash. Combining fluffy quinoa with crisp veggies and creamy feta makes for a refreshing dish that's packed with flavor. It's perfect for lunch, a side at dinner, or even a light snack! This salad is not just quick to make; it's also incredibly versatile. You can change up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring that it never gets boring.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T20:06:27.583Z

When I first tried my hand at making this Quick Quinoa Salad with Feta, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. I often cook the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully when everything is mixed together.

One tip I learned is to toast the quinoa in a dry pan before cooking it. This brings out a nutty flavor that adds depth to the salad. Trust me; it’s a game-changer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutty quinoa perfectly balances creamy feta
Packed with fresh vegetables for a crunchy texture
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep

Understanding Quinoa Preparation

Quinoa, often touted as a superfood, is a complete protein and provides essential amino acids. To ensure it cooks perfectly, it's crucial to rinse it thoroughly before boiling. This step removes the bitter saponins that can affect the taste. After cooking, let it rest for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on to steam, ensuring a fluffy texture instead of clumping.

When measuring quinoa, remember that it typically triples in volume once cooked. For this salad, 1 cup of dry quinoa yields about 3 cups of fluffy grains. Keep this in mind if you wish to make a larger batch for meal prep. You can store cooked quinoa in the fridge for up to five days, making it a great staple for quick meals.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. For an extra crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or even radishes. Just ensure that the vegetables are uniformly chopped to maintain a balanced texture throughout the salad.

If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the finely chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This technique reduces the pungency and makes the onion taste sweeter, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the process smoother!

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have your ingredients prepared, the salad will come together in no time!

Instructions

Prepare your workspace for an efficient cooking experience.

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them into a large bowl.

Combine and Dress the Salad

Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the salad with fresh parsley and serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy, quick meal!

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For an extra zing, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped olives.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Quick Quinoa Salad with Feta is not only easy to make but also perfect for preparing in advance. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be mindful that the vegetables might release moisture over time, which could make the salad a bit soggy. To counter this, you can keep the feta and dressing separate and mix them in just before serving.

If you want to freeze the salad, consider omitting the feta and fresh veggies prior to freezing. Quinoa freezes well for about a month. Upon defrosting, you can reintroduce the fresh ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal any time.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to experiment with the dressing in this recipe. Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil can elevate the flavor. For a creamier dressing, consider mixing in a dollop of Greek yogurt to complement the feta's creaminess while providing a tangy twist.

To turn this salad into a heartier main dish, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or black beans. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also make the salad more filling, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store in the fridge, and it will only get better!

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas would pair beautifully with this salad.

→ Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is a gluten-free grain, making this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.