![To make a Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, freshly diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring bright colors and bold flavors to the dish. Quinoa serves as the base, giving you a healthy grain. Each vegetable adds crunch and nutrients, while feta brings a creamy texture and salty taste. Olive oil and lemon juice add a zing. This mix makes each bite exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the instructions below! - Combine quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. - Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. - Rest and fluff with a fork. Cooking quinoa is simple. Rinsing it first removes any bitter taste. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. When the broth boils, turn the heat low. Cover and let it cook. After 15 minutes, remove it from heat. Let it sit for five more minutes. Fluff it with a fork to make it light and fluffy. - Chop and mix tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives in a large bowl. Fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Slice the olives. Mix them all in a big bowl. This blend of vegetables makes your salad bright and tasty. - Mix the cooked quinoa with vegetables, olive oil, and lemon juice. - Gently fold in crumbled feta and parsley. - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Chill before serving for best flavor. Once your quinoa cools a bit, add it to the bowl of veggies. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice on top. Toss everything gently with a spoon. Next, fold in crumbled feta cheese and parsley. This adds a creamy texture and fresh taste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. For the best flavor, chill the salad for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. For a complete guide, check the [Full Recipe]. To make perfect quinoa, start by rinsing it. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Next, cook the quinoa for the right texture. Combine one cup of rinsed quinoa with two cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil on medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it rest for five minutes. Fluff it with a fork for a light and fluffy texture. To enhance flavor, use simple seasonings and fresh herbs. A pinch of salt and pepper can boost the taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice touch. You can also try adding garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. If you're looking for alternative dressings, try balsamic vinegar or a yogurt-based dressing. These options can give your salad a different twist. Mix and match to find your perfect flavor balance. For serving, you can get creative. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. This adds a personal touch. Garnish with extra parsley for vibrant color. Add whole olives on top for a nice pop. Lemon wedges on the side can add zest and freshness. These simple ideas make your dish look even more appealing. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this salad. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. If you want, try using a sharp cheddar or a creamy blue cheese. For greens, consider adding baby spinach or arugula. They bring a nice crunch and freshness. You can also mix in roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus. This makes your dish more colorful and tasty. If you want more protein, chickpeas work great. They blend well and add a nutty flavor. You can also add grilled chicken for a heartier meal. For a vegan option, consider using tofu or tempeh. These choices keep your salad filling while still being healthy. You can change this salad based on the season. In summer, add fresh corn or diced peaches for sweetness. In the fall, try roasted butternut squash or apples for warmth. These seasonal ingredients keep your dish exciting and fresh. Adapting your salad to the season makes it fun and delicious to eat. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To keep your savory quinoa salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. Store the salad in the fridge at a cool temperature, around 40°F (4°C). This keeps the flavors bright and the ingredients crisp. Your quinoa salad can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the salad smells sour or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses! I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the quinoa and veggies can change. If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, gently warm it in a pan or the microwave. The salad will not taste as fresh, but it will still be safe to eat. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. I recommend making it up to one day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend well. To ensure your salad is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free quinoa. Check the labels of your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free too. Most of the other ingredients, like veggies and feta, are naturally gluten-free. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for protein. You can also serve it with pita bread or hummus for a light meal. It makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics. Quinoa is a superfood packed with nutrients. It is high in protein and fiber, making it great for digestion. It also contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. The veggies and feta in this salad add even more health benefits. This quinoa salad is a simple, tasty dish that's great for any meal. We covered how to cook quinoa, prepare fresh veggies, and mix it all together for a bright salad. Add your favorite ingredients or protein to make it yours. Store it right, and you’ll have leftovers for days. This recipe is healthy and full of flavor. You can easily customize it based on your taste or what’s in season. Enjoy making your unique version of this delicious quinoa salad!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b452abea-28da-46cd-9a35-44ce1875a399-250x250.webp)
- Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta
Enjoy a burst of flavors with this Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta, a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients like fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese. This vibrant dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for any meal, whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner. Dive into the full recipe and discover how to create this refreshing salad that everyone will love. Click through to explore all the delicious details!