You know, nothing screams summer like a picnic in the park with friends, and one of my absolute favorite dishes to bring is this refreshing quinoa salad with feta. There’s just something about the combination of fluffy quinoa, ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and that creamy, tangy feta that makes my taste buds dance! It’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients, making it the *best quinoa salad feta* you’ll ever try. I love how it all comes together so easily, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it for every gathering. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this amazing quinoa salad! I promise, it’s super simple and so satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, rinse your quinoa! This is a crucial step, as it helps remove any bitter coating called saponin. Just place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for a minute or so. You want it nice and clean!
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is ready when it’s fluffy and all the water has been absorbed.
- After that, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is a great time to prep your veggies!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Oh, the colors are so beautiful!
- Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s super easy, and trust me, the fresh zest of lemon really brightens things up!
- Pour the dressing over your salad and mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Finally, garnish with some fresh parsley, and voilà! You’re ready to serve this delightful salad. Enjoy it fresh, or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld even more!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this vibrant quinoa salad! Each serving is packed with wholesome goodness, making it not only tasty but also a healthy choice. Here’s an estimated breakdown based on common ingredients:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But regardless, you’re getting a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor and goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Full of vibrant flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for days.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs for endless variations.
Tips for Success
To make the *best quinoa salad feta*, there are a few tips that I swear by! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Bell peppers, radishes, or even some avocado can add a delightful twist!
When it comes to seasoning, taste as you go! After adding the dressing, give it a little mix and see if it needs a pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice. You want every bite to pop with flavor, so don’t be shy about adjusting!
Also, serving suggestions! I love serving this salad chilled, as letting it sit for a bit in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or even as a filling snack. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of extra feta on top just before serving takes it to the next level! Enjoy experimenting, and make it your own!
Variations
One of the best things about this quinoa salad is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a heartier option, try adding some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some roasted bell peppers or sautéed zucchini for a warm twist. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also elevate the flavor profile, giving it a refreshing touch!
And don’t forget about the dressing—experiment with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of garlic for added depth. The possibilities are endless, so have fun making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious quinoa salad is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten salad into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as quick lunches throughout the week.
Now, if you find yourself with leftover salad, you might be wondering about reheating. But guess what? This salad is best enjoyed cold! So, there’s really no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to eat. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a little extra lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Trust me, it’ll give it that fresh taste again!
However, if you do prefer it warm, you can gently heat the quinoa on the stove over low heat, but be careful not to overdo it! You want to maintain that delightful texture and flavor. Enjoy your quinoa salad, whether it’s straight from the fridge or with a little warmth—either way, it’s fantastic!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese besides feta?
Absolutely! While feta gives this salad that creamy tang, you can swap it out for goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar if that’s more your style. Just pick something that you enjoy!
Is quinoa salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually get better as they sit together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Of course! To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. You can also add some avocado for creaminess—it’s a game changer!
What other vegetables can I add?
Get creative! You can add bell peppers, carrots, corn, or even roasted vegetables. The beauty of this salad is its versatility, so use whatever veggies you love or have on hand!
How do I know when quinoa is cooked?
Quinoa is ready when it’s fluffy and all the water has been absorbed. You’ll see little white tails (the germ) start to separate from the grains. Just fluff it with a fork, and it’s good to go!
Best Quinoa Salad Feta: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad with feta cheese.
Składniki
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instrukcje
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust vegetables based on your preference.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: Mediterranean
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: best quinoa salad feta
