Are you ready to whip up a fresh and tasty dish? This Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta brings together vibrant vegetables and creamy feta for a burst of flavor. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this salad is easy to make and packed with nutrients. In just a few simple steps, you can create a healthy meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Quinoa is the star here. It gives the salad a hearty base. Feta adds a nice salty kick. The veggies bring freshness and crunch. Make sure to use ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best taste. Kalamata olives add a delicious briny flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish. Extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice tie all the flavors together.
You can find the full recipe for this delightful dish that highlights these ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Quinoa
1. Rinse your quinoa under cold running water. This helps remove its bitter taste.
2. In a pot, boil 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Add the rinsed quinoa.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
Mixing the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives.
2. Once the quinoa cools, mix it in with the fresh vegetables. The flavors blend nicely.
Adding Flavor
1. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the salad.
2. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat everything.
Final Touches
1. Fold in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley.
2. Let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Quinoa
To make the best quinoa, rinsing is key. Rinse the quinoa well under cold running water. This step removes its natural bitter taste. It makes the final dish much tastier.
For fluffy quinoa, cook it right. Use two cups of vegetable broth or water for one cup of quinoa. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Then, add the rinsed quinoa and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The quinoa is done when it absorbs all the liquid and looks fluffy. Try not to stir it too much while cooking, as this can make it mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters. Serve the salad in a large, bright bowl. This will make the colors pop. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and some feta crumbles on top. If you want a fancy touch, use individual bowls. This way, each guest can enjoy their own colorful serving.
Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup. The flavors blend nicely, making a satisfying feast.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Quinoa is a superfood. It is high in protein and fiber. It also has essential vitamins and minerals. Feta cheese adds calcium and healthy fats. Together, they make a nutritious base for your salad.
The fresh vegetables bring antioxidants. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are full of vitamins. They help fight free radicals and keep your body healthy. Eating this salad is not just tasty; it’s good for you, too.
For the full recipe, check out the main section!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the vegetables in your salad. Try using:
– Zucchini, diced
– Carrots, grated
– Spinach, chopped
These swaps add new colors and flavors. You can also switch up the cheese. If you want a creamier taste, try goat cheese or ricotta. For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar or blue cheese. You can even change the dressing! Instead of olive oil and lemon juice, use balsamic vinegar or a yogurt-based dressing. These swaps keep the salad exciting and fresh.
Dietary Adaptations
Making this salad vegan is easy. Just leave out the feta cheese. You can use avocados instead for creaminess. To make it gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free quinoa. For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. Chickpeas are great for a plant-based option. They give the salad a nice texture and help keep you full. You can mix and match these ideas to fit your diet and taste. Enjoy making this salad just right for you!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your savory quinoa salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Place the container in the fridge right after serving. The salad stays fresh for about three to five days. After this time, the vegetables may lose their crunch, and the flavors may fade.
Freezing Tips
Can you freeze quinoa salad? Yes, but I recommend only freezing the quinoa without the veggies and dressing. The textures of fresh vegetables change when frozen. To freeze, put the cooled quinoa in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date and remove as much air as possible.
To thaw and refresh frozen salad, move the quinoa to the fridge a day before you want to eat it. This slow thaw keeps it from becoming mushy. Once thawed, mix in fresh veggies and dressing for a tasty meal. Enjoy your delicious dish! For the full recipe, check back to the ingredients section.
FAQs
What is the best way to cook quinoa?
To cook quinoa perfectly, rinse it well under cold water. This step removes bitterness. Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups vegetable broth or water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The quinoa is ready when it absorbs all the liquid and looks fluffy. Let it cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can swap feta cheese with other options. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella gives a mild flavor. Parmesan adds a rich taste. For a dairy-free choice, try vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
The savory quinoa salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture. If you notice any liquids forming, just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors meld together, making it even tastier. Just add the feta cheese and parsley right before serving for the best texture.
Is the Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta gluten-free?
Yes, the savory quinoa salad is gluten-free. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, making it a great choice for those with gluten intolerance. Just ensure that any added ingredients, like olives or dressings, also meet gluten-free standards.
This blog post covered a tasty Savory Quinoa Salad with Feta. We explored a list of fresh ingredients and easy steps to make it. I shared tips for cooking perfect quinoa and ideas to store or freeze leftovers. You can adapt the recipe to fit many diets and preferences.
In final thoughts, try this salad for a healthy meal. Enjoy the flavors and benefits of each ingredient. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
