Craving a Mediterranean escape that fits perfectly in your lunchbox? Get ready to transform your meal prep with the ultimate Cold Greek Quinoa Salad - a vibrant, protein-packed dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece! This refreshing salad isn't just another boring health food; it's a flavor explosion that combines the nutritious power of quinoa with the irresistible tang of Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese. Whether you're a busy professional, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool completely to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice Kalamata olives, and finely chop red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add prepared tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and give the salad a quick stir.
Tips
- Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Quinoa Salad:
- Quinoa Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Cool Completely: Let the quinoa cool to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain crisp vegetable textures.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld and intensifies the overall taste.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or swap feta for a vegan alternative to make it your own.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest vegetables and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
