![- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, 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, chopped Quinoa is the star of this dish. It is light, fluffy, and full of protein. Cooking it in vegetable broth adds rich flavor. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers give crunch and color. The bell pepper adds sweetness while the red onion gives a bit of bite. Kalamata olives add a briny touch that brings it all together. Finally, feta cheese gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste Using olive oil and lemon juice creates a simple and bright dressing. Salt and pepper help to enhance all the flavors. These staples are key to making the salad taste fresh and vibrant. - Alternative cheese options: goat cheese or mozzarella - Extra vegetables: zucchini, spinach, or carrots - Nuts and seeds: almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds Feel free to get creative! If you want a different cheese, try goat cheese or mozzarella. You can add more veggies for extra crunch. Nuts and seeds add healthy fats and a nice crunch. Mixing in your favorite ingredients makes this salad unique to you. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. - Rinsing and Boiling First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step removes any bitterness. Next, in a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. - Cooking Time and Fluffing Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the liquid is absorbed. Remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. - Chopping Techniques While the quinoa cooks, grab your knife and cutting board. Dice 1 cucumber and chop 1/2 red onion finely. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and dice 1 bell pepper. You can use red or yellow. These fresh veggies add color and crunch. - Mixing Options Place all the chopped veggies into a large mixing bowl. You can also add 1/2 cup of kalamata olives that are pitted and sliced. Toss them gently to mix the flavors. - Dressing the Salad When the quinoa cools slightly, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the mix. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. - Incorporating Feta Cheese Now, it’s time for the creamy feta. Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley to the bowl. Carefully fold the mixture, trying not to break the feta too much. Follow the Full Recipe for complete details on this vibrant dish. Cooking Tips To make the best quinoa, rinse it first. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use a medium saucepan for cooking. Combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover it and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This step makes the quinoa light and fluffy. Flavor Enhancements For extra flavor, try using broth instead of water. You can also add spices like garlic powder or cumin while cooking. If you want a hint of zest, add a little lemon zest to the cooking broth. This small change can elevate your quinoa's taste. Presentation Ideas When serving your salad, use a large, shallow bowl. This allows the colors to shine. Arrange the quinoa on a bed of fresh greens for a pop of color. Sprinkle extra feta and parsley on top for a beautiful finish. You can also add some sliced olives or cherry tomatoes on the side to make it look even more inviting. Accompaniments This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a full meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with warm pita bread or a side of hummus. These options will give you a well-rounded meal. Meal Prep Tips This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight. Flavor Development Chilling the salad enhances its taste. As it sits, the quinoa absorbs more flavors from the veggies and dressing. You can also add a splash of lemon juice right before serving to refresh the taste. This way, you always have a burst of flavor with each bite. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your salad for extra flavor and nutrition. - Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken breast adds a savory touch. Simply slice it thin and mix it in. This makes the salad heartier. - Chickpeas: For a plant-based option, add chickpeas. They bring creaminess and a nutty taste. One cup of canned chickpeas works well. Drain and rinse them before adding to the salad. Changing up the dressings or spices can create new tastes. - Different Dressings: You can try balsamic vinaigrette or a tahini dressing. Each dressing gives a unique twist to the dish. Just pour it over and mix well. - Spice Mixes: Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for warmth. A pinch or two can really elevate the flavor. Experiment to find your favorite mix. Using seasonal ingredients makes your salad fresh and vibrant. - Summer Variations: In summer, add zucchini or corn. Grilled zucchini brings a nice smoky flavor. Sweet corn adds a juicy crunch. - Winter Additions: In winter, try roasted root vegetables. Carrots and sweet potatoes work great. They add sweetness and warmth to the salad. Feel free to explore these variations to make the Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta your own. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! For best storage, place your Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing it. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 5 days. Check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. You can freeze this salad, but it may change texture. To freeze, portion the salad into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out air before sealing. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Leftover salad can be a great base for new meals. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. You can also mix it into wraps or pita pockets. Another idea is to serve it on a bed of greens for a fresh twist. Get creative with leftovers and enjoy different flavors! Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. It gets better as it sits. Just keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix well. You can use goat cheese for a similar taste. If you're dairy-free, try tofu or nutritional yeast. They add a nice flavor and texture to the salad. The salad stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it crisp and tasty. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is a great choice for gluten-free diets. Enjoy this salad without any worries! For the full recipe, check out the section earlier in the article. To wrap up, we explored making a tasty Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta. You learned about key ingredients like quinoa, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese. We covered cooking tips and how to combine everything for the best flavor. You can customize your salad with protein and seasonal ingredients as well. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can easily create and enjoy this healthy dish! Try it out and impress yourself with your cooking skills.](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b452abea-28da-46cd-9a35-44ce1875a399-250x250.webp)
- Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta
Discover the perfect addition to your meal rotation with this Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta! Packed with vibrant veggies and nutrient-rich quinoa, this fresh and wholesome salad is not just delicious but incredibly customizable. Whether you're serving it as a side or a main dish, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. Click through to explore how to make it your own and bring health and joy to your table today!