Greek Quinoa Chopped Salad
A vibrant mix of fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, and tangy feta, drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Total: 35 minPrep: 20 minCook: 15 min6 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (150+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1 Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear.
- 2 In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- 3 Let quinoa cool to room temperature.
- 4 In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, olives, parsley, and mint.
- 5 Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and add to the veggie mixture.
- 6 In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 7 Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 8 Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Variations
- Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Substitute kale for some of the lettuce for an extra nutrient kick.
Substitutions
- Use spinach or arugula if you prefer a different green.
- Substitute another tangy cheese like goat cheese for feta.
Pairings
- Warm pita bread
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Tzatziki sauce
Nutrition
Calories:
250 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
28g carbohydrates
Protein:
8g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving.
Freezing: Does not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables and quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or falafel for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm pita bread for a satisfying lunch.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after the flavors have melded together in the fridge.