Whether or not you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week forward, this Greek quinoa salad has you coated. It’s gentle, satisfying, and loaded with contemporary summer time taste.
I’ve determined that I must have a go-to quinoa salad recipe for each season. I have already got a spring quinoa salad so now it’s time for a summery model. All through the summer time months, our native farmers market is bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and lovely contemporary herbs—so I made a decision to mix all of those right into a contemporary and flavorful Greek quinoa salad.
I really like making a giant batch of this salad originally of the week. It’s excellent by itself, however I usually serve it with grilled hen or grilled salmon for a fast, protein-packed lunch. Bonus: the flavors solely get higher because it sits!
Why You Gotta Attempt This One
I’ve been making Greek salads and quinoa salads for years, however combining the 2 is perhaps one in all my finest concepts but. This one’s tremendous contemporary, loaded with taste, and ideal for summer time.
- Fast + Straightforward: Made with easy substances and minimal prep. You’ll be able to have it prepared in below half-hour!
Recent + Flavorful: Loaded with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, contemporary herbs, and a zesty lemon French dressing, each chew is tremendous refreshing. - Nice for Meal Prep: This salad holds up fantastically within the fridge, so it’s excellent for make-ahead lunches or dinners all week lengthy.
- Good for BBQs + Potlucks: It’s gentle, summery, and a complete crowd-pleaser!
Right here’s What You’ll Want
- quinoa – that is the bottom of the recipe and you should utilize any kind of quinoa you want from white, black, purple to tri-color. Any selection will work for this recipe. Observe my information on the best way to cook dinner quinoa for some suggestions and tips!
- child spinach – child spinach has a gentle taste and texture that works completely on this greek quinoa salad.
- grape or cherry tomatoes – juicy and candy, these deliver a pop of shade and contemporary summer time taste.
- cucumber and purple onion – for some added crunch.
- feta cheese – this brings the creamy, tangy taste that ties every little thing collectively.
- kalamata olives – traditional in Greek salads, these add a briny, salty chew that balances the freshness of the veggies.
- basil and parsley – to boost the flavors!
- dressing – purple wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper are all whisked collectively to make a easy selfmade dressing that’s tangy, zesty, and filled with taste. No store-bought dressing wanted!
Straightforward Recipe Swaps
- No olives? Depart them out or swap in chopped artichoke hearts or capers for the same briny taste.
- Make it dairy-free or vegan: Merely use a plant-based feta or go away the cheese out.
- Add protein: Be at liberty so as to add white beans or chickpeas for some protein. They’re a fantastic addition–particularly in the event you’re serving this as a principal somewhat than a facet dish.
Tips on how to Make Greek Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Prepare dinner the quinoa in accordance with bundle instructions. Let cool and put aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk collectively the dressing.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, stir collectively quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, purple onion, basil, olives and parsley. Pour dressing over quinoa salad.
Step 4: Toss salad to completely coat within the dressing. Serve instantly or let the salad chill within the fridge a number of hours earlier than serving.
Ideas for the Greatest Greek Quinoa Salad
Only a few issues to remember when making this salad:
- Let the quinoa cool: Make certain your quinoa is totally cooled earlier than mixing it with the veggies or the greens will wilt.
- Let it marinate: If in case you have time, let the salad sit for 15–half-hour after mixing so the flavors actually come collectively.
- Use contemporary herbs: Don’t skip the basil and parsley! They brighten every little thing up and take the flavour to the subsequent stage.
- Flip it right into a meal-sized salad: Serve this salad with grilled hen for a meal-sized salad that’s nice for lunch.
- Serving to kiddos? Chop every little thing further small or skip the purple onion for a milder, extra kid-friendly model.
Tips on how to Retailer
This Greek quinoa salad is ideal for prepping upfront! You can also make it the evening earlier than and let it chill within the fridge till you’re able to serve—it really tastes even higher after the flavors have a little bit time to meld. Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge and revel in inside 3–4 days.
