Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, My Favourite Quinoa Salad is the sort of dish that puts a smile on your face the minute you take that first bite. Imagine fluffy quinoa tossed with a rainbow of juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, tangy red onion, crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs, all mingled together in a zippy lemon vinaigrette. It’s wholesome but never boring, and it’s my go-to for potlucks, quick lunches, lazy Sunday suppers, and everything in between. Whether you’re craving something healthy, want to impress friends, or just need a fabulous salad that feels like a meal, My Favourite Quinoa Salad is about to become your favorite, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple, yet absolutely vital, each ingredient is to this salad. Every component brings something wonderful, from crunch or creaminess to a vivid pop of color or a fresh burst of flavor. Take a peek and see why My Favourite Quinoa Salad wins hearts time after time!
- Quinoa: The nutty, fluffy base that makes this salad equally filling and satisfying—be sure to rinse it to remove any bitterness.
- Water: Needed to cook the quinoa to pillowy perfection—using the right ratio ensures it’s never mushy.
- Salt: Just a small sprinkle seasons every grain of quinoa as it cooks, making the base flavorful from the start.
- Cherry tomatoes: These sweet, juicy gems bring a summery note and a gorgeous dash of color.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, diced cucumber gives a wonderful crunch and coolness.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, peppery bite that lifts all the other flavors in the bowl.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and a little bit salty—crumbled feta ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds an earthy, bright note that’s irresistible.
- Fresh mint: Mint brings unexpected refreshment and a beautiful fragrance to every forkful.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The backbone of the dressing, adding silky richness with a peppery finish.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon perks up the salad and adds a sunny zing.
- Red wine vinegar: Layered acidity deepens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic: Just a clove, minced for maximum punch, transforms the dressing into something utterly crave-worthy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for finishing the salad and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make My Favourite Quinoa Salad
Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Quinoa
Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water with a fine mesh sieve. Don’t skip this; it washes away quinoa’s natural coating, which can taste bitter. Then, mix the quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Once the water is absorbed and the grains are tender, remove it from the heat and keep the lid on for five more minutes, letting it steam to fluffy perfection. Fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool completely—trust me, cool quinoa is key to a dreamy salad texture!
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Veggies and Herbs
While your quinoa cools, grab a cutting board and get chopping! Halve those cherry tomatoes, dice up the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and crumble the feta if it’s in big pieces. Don’t forget the parsley and mint—chop them together for the freshest splash of green and herbal goodness. Having all your mix-ins prepped makes assembly a breeze and keeps everything bright and snappy.
Step 3: Make the Lively Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic. Whisk (or shake!) until emulsified and silky. This dressing tastes light and zesty, balancing the richness of the feta and the hearty quinoa—it’s what makes My Favourite Quinoa Salad sparkle!
Step 4: Mix and Toss
Once your quinoa is fully cool—again, this step is worth the wait!—grab a large salad bowl and add the quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint. Pour over your homemade dressing and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Aim for every bite to have a bit of everything. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes bright and bold to you.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, if you can manage to wait that long. This gives all those flavors time to marinate and mingle, turning good ingredients into My Favourite Quinoa Salad magic! Take a taste before serving—sometimes it’s even better the next day.
How to Serve My Favourite Quinoa Salad
Garnishes
To finish your masterpiece, I love to scatter extra feta crumbles or torn fresh herbs on top just before serving. A little sprinkle of lemon zest adds an extra pop of brightness, and a drizzle of olive oil can bring a gorgeous glossy finish. Garnishing My Favourite Quinoa Salad is like adding jewelry to an outfit—just a little extra sparkle!
Side Dishes
This salad is seriously versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or even roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Warm pita bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for scooping, while hummus or baba ganoush completes a truly Mediterranean spread. Honestly, My Favourite Quinoa Salad shines solo or as the star of a bigger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, I sometimes pile the salad into halved bell peppers or serve it in individual mason jars for picnic-perfect portability. You can also wrap it in lettuce leaves for a hand-held lunch, or spoon it onto avocado halves for an elegant starter. My Favourite Quinoa Salad loves to dress up or down, depending on your mood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover My Favourite Quinoa Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate—it will keep fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy weeks or entertaining.
Freezing
Technically, quinoa freezes well on its own, but once you add the fresh veggies and herbs, the texture won’t quite be the same after thawing. I recommend enjoying My Favourite Quinoa Salad fresh from the fridge. If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the cooked, cooled quinoa and combine with the other salad ingredients right before serving.
Reheating
This is definitely a salad best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! If you prefer a slightly warmer version, you can let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but I don’t recommend microwaving—it can wilt the veggies and melt the feta. Just a gentle rest at room temp does the trick.
FAQs
Can I make My Favourite Quinoa Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the feta cheese or switch it out for your favorite plant-based alternative. My Favourite Quinoa Salad still brings all the herby, lemony, and crunchy goodness without dairy.
What protein can I add to make this a meal?
Chickpeas and grilled chicken are both wonderful choices. Toss in a can of rinsed, drained chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost, or slice up grilled chicken breast for extra hearty, satisfying salads all week.
How do I avoid mushy quinoa?
Use the right ratio—one part quinoa to two parts water is perfect—and don’t overcook. Letting the quinoa steam off the heat covered, then fluffing it as it cools, will produce light, fluffy grains every time for My Favourite Quinoa Salad.
Can I substitute the herbs?
Yes! Parsley and mint give an unmistakable Mediterranean flair, but you can swap in cilantro, dill, or basil if you prefer. Play around with what you have on hand; My Favourite Quinoa Salad is very forgiving and adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Is My Favourite Quinoa Salad gluten free?
It sure is! Quinoa is naturally gluten free, and all other ingredients in this recipe are safe for a gluten free diet. Just double check your feta and other packaged items if you have food sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring My Favourite Quinoa Salad into your kitchen and your lunchbox, your potlucks, or just your couch for a cozy dinner. With its fresh flavors and so many easy ways to make it your own, I know this will become a staple in your repertoire. Give it a try and watch it quickly earn a spot as your own favorite quinoa salad!
Print
My Favourite Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious quinoa salad packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients
Quinoa:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa: Under cold water using a fine mesh sieve.
- Cook the quinoa: In a saucepan with water and salt until tender.
- Prepare the salad: Combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, parsley, and mint in a bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic.
- Combine: Pour dressing over salad, toss well, season, and chill before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- For a vegan version, omit or substitute the feta cheese.
- Additional protein options include chickpeas or grilled chicken.
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