![- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste To make this savory quinoa salad, you need some key ingredients. First, quinoa is the star of the show. It is nutritious and gluten-free. You will also want fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. These add color and crunch. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty flavor that ties it all together. Lastly, the dressing, made from olive oil and lemon juice, brightens up the dish. - Nuts and seeds - Additional herbs You can customize your salad with optional add-ins. Nuts and seeds add crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds or walnuts work well. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can give extra flavor. Experiment with what you love! - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing bowls - Cooking pot To prepare this salad, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Measuring cups and spoons help with accurate portions. Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. A cooking pot is needed to cook the quinoa. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the complete instructions. Boiling the Vegetable Broth Start by pouring 2 cups of vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Heat it on high until it boils. Watch closely to avoid spills. Simmering the Quinoa Once the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The liquid should absorb, and the quinoa will get fluffy. When done, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then set it aside. Chopping and Dicing While your quinoa cooks, grab your fresh veggies. Chop 1 cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and chop 1/2 red bell pepper. Finely chop 1/2 red onion. Slice 1/3 cup of Kalamata olives. Combining Ingredients In a large bowl, mix all your chopped veggies. This bowl will soon hold all the vibrant flavors of your salad. Creating the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and black pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Tossing Ingredients Pour your dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything until well combined. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Toss lightly again to mix them in. Enjoy the bright colors and fresh scents! For the complete steps, check the [Full Recipe]. Rinsing quinoa is key. It removes a bitter coating called saponin. To rinse, place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for about a minute. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor. Fluffing quinoa is equally important. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to gently fluff it. This helps separate the grains and keeps the texture light. For the best pairings, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Both add protein and flavor. You can also serve the salad alongside a warm pita. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Plating is vital for visual appeal. Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. You can also use individual plates. Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes the dish pop. You can play with sweet or savory additions. Try adding diced apples or dried cranberries for sweetness. For a savory touch, consider adding capers or extra olives. Explore different dressing alternatives. Instead of lemon juice, try balsamic vinegar. You can also mix in yogurt for a creamy texture. These changes can give your salad a new life. For the full recipe, check out the complete steps to make your Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta! {{image_2}} You can brighten up your salad with a Mediterranean twist. Adding roasted vegetables gives a fun texture. Just toss in some zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Roast them until they are golden. This adds a warm, rich flavor to your dish. You can also include artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes. Both options boost taste and bring a tangy kick. Artichokes add a unique texture and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and depth. These small changes can make your salad feel fresh and exciting. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken. Just slice it and mix it in. This makes the salad more filling and hearty. Chickpeas or black beans are great plant-based options too. They provide protein and fiber. Simply rinse and add them to the salad. Either choice keeps the dish healthy and satisfying. If you want to keep it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor. You can substitute feta with plant-based alternatives. Look for vegan feta made from nuts or tofu. These swaps keep your meal tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can enjoy a vibrant salad without losing any flavor! To keep your savory quinoa salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. I like using glass containers because they don’t stain and are easy to clean. If you want to save the salad for later, freezing is a great option. Scoop the salad into freezer-safe bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan on low heat, or enjoy it cold! How long will it last? In the fridge, your salad should be good for 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or change in color. If you see any mold, throw it away! Enjoy your salad fresh for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the section above. You can try several cheeses in this salad. Here are some great options: - Goat cheese for a creamy texture. - Ricotta cheese for a mild flavor. - Cotija cheese for a crumbly bite. - Parmesan for a sharper taste. Each cheese adds its own twist to the salad, making it fun to experiment! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It comes from a seed, not a grain. Many people who have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy quinoa safely. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for everyone. In this blog post, we explored how to make a fresh quinoa salad. We covered main ingredients, optional add-ins, and the right tools. You learned how to cook quinoa and prepare vegetables. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested variations for more flavors. Remember to store your salad properly for the best taste. With these steps and tips, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal. Try it out and customize it to fit your taste.](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/50cbb912-12ba-450c-a10a-a8bc66d6029e-250x250.webp)
- Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta
Discover the ultimate quick and healthy dish with my Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta! This vibrant salad combines fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and tangy feta for a delicious meal that's easy to make. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's customizable to suit your taste. Explore the recipe now and impress your friends and family with this nutritious dish that's as satisfying as it is colorful. Click to learn how to make it today!