Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta Recipe

If you’re searching for a bright, vibrant lunch or the perfect crowd-pleasing potluck dish, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta is about to steal your heart. Packed with colorful vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zippy lemon-olive oil dressing, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta delivers crunchy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors in every bite. It’s nourishing, protein-rich, and oh-so satisfying—a dish I turn to again and again for effortless make-ahead meals, and one I’m convinced you’ll adore just as much!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings a unique sparkle—whether it’s the pop of juicy tomatoes, the creaminess of feta, or the refreshing notes of mint. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Quinoa: The hearty base—naturally gluten-free with a delightful poppy texture and nutty flavor.
• Water: Simple, but essential for cooking the quinoa perfectly light and fluffy.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy sweetness and bursts of color in every scoop.
• Cucumber: Diced for a satisfying crunch and cool, refreshing bite throughout.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for subtle color and that unmistakable Mediterranean bite.
• Kalamata olives: Sliced for a salty, briny kick—absolutely key to the flavor profile.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy, tangy richness that ties everything together.
• Fresh parsley: Adds vibrant, peppery herbal notes and a touch of green.
• Fresh mint: Chopped for a refreshing lift that makes this salad so unique.
• Olive oil: Use your best extra-virgin for a silky, Mediterranean finish.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for zingy acidity and brightness in the dressing.
• Red wine vinegar: Just a splash adds extra tang and balances the richness.
• Garlic: Minced for a punch of savory flavor in every forkful.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Quinoa

Start by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly under cold water to wash away any bitterness. Bring the rinsed quinoa and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is fully absorbed. Remove from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork to achieve perfectly separate grains and allow the quinoa to cool to room temperature. This helps it soak up the flavorful dressing later on.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooling, prep your veggies. Halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber for some cool crunch, and finely chop the red onion so every bite gets a gentle zing. Slice the Kalamata olives and chop up the fresh parsley and mint. Simple prep work, but each one adds a pop of color and flavor!

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and pile in the cooled quinoa. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and mint. Toss gently to combine—the gorgeous colors and aromas will already have you excited for that first taste.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. It doesn’t take much effort, but this homemade dressing is what makes the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta irresistibly fresh and lively.

Step 5: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing all over your salad and toss everything together until lightly and evenly coated. For the best flavors, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This resting time lets the quinoa and vegetables soak up all those Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making every bite even better.

How to Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of extra feta, a few reserved Kalamata olives, and an extra hit of herbs—these little touches make your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta look as spectacular as it tastes. For a little zing, try a twist of lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad happily shares the table with just about anything. I love serving it alongside warm pita, a platter of grilled chicken, or even some roasted chickpeas for added crunch and protein. It can also shine as a centerpiece for a vegetarian spread with hummus, baba ganoush, and olives on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, you can spoon Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta into mini cups for a colorful appetizer, stuff it into halved bell peppers for a fun, edible bowl, or lay it atop a bed of greens for a heartier entrée salad. This dish is as flexible as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta keeps its flavor and texture beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick toss before enjoying again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While quinoa freezes well on its own, this particular salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and herbs can lose their texture and vibrancy once thawed. To enjoy the best flavors and colors, keep it refrigerated and fresh.

Reheating

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, straight from the fridge. If you prefer your salad less chilled, let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving—but there’s no need to reheat it at all!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While feta is classic for this recipe, you can swap in goat cheese or even crumbled queso fresco for a similar creamy tang. Just keep in mind it will change the overall character of the salad.

What protein can I add to Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked shrimp are all delicious ways to boost the protein in this salad. Just toss them in with the rest of the ingredients for a more filling meal.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes—Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta is naturally gluten-free, making it fantastic for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten-containing grains.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Just skip the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative to keep all the bright, fresh flavors but make it entirely vegan-friendly.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

Feel free to make this dish up to a day in advance. In fact, the flavors develop even more as it sits. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving and taste for seasoning, adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed.

Final Thoughts

Wholesome, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta is truly a keeper. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a lively dinner party, you’ll love how easy and versatile it is. Give it a try and let your tastebuds take a little trip to the Mediterranean coast—you won’t regret it!

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