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Fresh Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad

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A fresh, healthy Greek quinoa salad bursting with zesty flavor, perfect for quick meals or potlucks. This salad combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy veggies, tangy feta, and a lively lemon-oregano dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (170g), rinsed well
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (seeded if desired)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150g), halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped (soaked in cold water if desired)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives (75g), pitted and sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese (75g), crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups (475 ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
  4. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion (soak if desired), slice olives, and chop parsley and mint (if using).
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chopped veggies, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  9. Let salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork to avoid mushiness. Letting the salad rest before serving enhances flavor melding. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep veggies crisp. For vegan version, omit feta or use plant-based cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek quinoa salad, healthy salad, quinoa recipe, zesty salad, feta cheese salad, Mediterranean salad, easy quinoa salad

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-healthy-greek-quinoa-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-flavor-guide/