Oh my goodness, are you ready to dive into a world of crunchy, zesty, and oh-so-colorful flavors? Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share my favorite Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad recipe with you. This delightful dish is like taking a mini-vacation to Greece without ever leaving your kitchen—who doesn’t love that? I remember the first time I tried a variation of this salad at a quaint little Mediterranean spot with my best friend. We both practically inhaled it, and ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic at home.
What sets this salad apart is how versatile and refreshing it is. It’s perfect for meal prep, a sunny picnic, or even a fancy dinner party. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients that make you feel like you’re doing something nice for your body while indulging in flavor. Let’s grab our aprons and get to it!
What’s in Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad?
Quinoa: This little powerhouse is the star of our salad and a great source of protein and fiber. I love using organic quinoa because it’s more than just nutritious; it has a delicate nutty flavor that really ties the dish together.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and freshness. I prefer using organic ones when I can, but any good vine-ripened tomatoes will do!
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add the perfect crunch to our salad. I like to choose English cucumbers for their mild flavor and minimal seeds.
Red Onion: Just a touch of finely sliced red onion gives a little kick without overpowering the other ingredients. If raw onion’s a bit intense for you, soaking them in cold water for a few minutes can help mellow their flavor.
Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich, these olives are a quintessential part of Greek salads. Pitting them beforehand saves you the hassle while keeping all their deliciousness intact!
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta is the essence of a Greek salad. I usually opt for the good quality stuff from a local deli, but grocery store varieties are just fine too.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up! Not only does it look lovely, but it adds a light herbal note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for both health and flavor. It adds richness and a smooth finish to dress up our salad.
Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar provides a zesty tang that balances well with the olive oil. You could also use balsamic if you prefer a sweeter touch.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must! It brightens everything and enhances the flavors, making the salad sing.
Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of oregano adds that classic Mediterranean flair. If you have fresh oregano on hand, feel free to use that instead!
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of these pantry staples will make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
Is Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad Good for You?
You bet it is! This salad is not just beautiful; it’s also brimming with health benefits.
Quinoa is a fantastic source of plant-based protein which is great for muscle recovery and maintaining a balanced diet. It’s also gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Cucumbers and cherry tomatoes come loaded with vitamins and hydration, while feta cheese introduces calcium and probiotics into the mix, supporting bone health and your gut.
On the flip side, just be mindful of portion sizes with the feta and olives if you’re watching your sodium intake—they can add up. Overall, this Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad is an energizing, nutrient-rich meal that’ll keep you feeling fabulous!
Ingredients
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
This salad will serve about 4-6 people, so it’s perfect for sharing (if you’re feeling generous)!
How to Make Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad?
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to wash away any bitterness, then combine it with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it’s fluffy and the water has vanished. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the magic elixir that ties everything together!
4. Once the quinoa has cooled down, add it to the bowl with the veggies and mix it all up!
5. Drizzle that dressing over the salad and give it a gentle toss until everything is nicely coated.
6. Take a moment to taste; adjust any seasonings if needed, and voilà! Your Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad is ready to be served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy every single bite!
Serving Suggestions & Sweet Tips
– For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
– Want to make it even more colorful? Throw in some bell peppers or roasted red peppers!
– This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3 days, making it a fabulous make-ahead option.
I truly hope you give this Healthy Greek Quinoa Salad a whirl! It’s so easy to whip up and always gets rave reviews from friends and family. If you do make it, please share your thoughts and any fun variations you try! Happy cooking! 🍽️
