This Greek Quinoa Salad makes such a delicious lunch or light dinner. It is full of fresh and delicious ingredients and is pulled together perfectly with Greek Salad Dressing!
Recently we had someone over to our house to do some work, and I was in the middle of shooting some videos when they arrived. I was a little horrified because when I work I’m kind of like a tornado on crack. I manage to mess up the kitchen and my office and everything that is in between. And given that our house has an open floor plan, that’s a fair amount of crack tornado wreckage. Seriously, it looked like a bomb went off in my kitchen.
I sheepishly explained what I do for a living. This kind and generous soul asked what I was making. When I said, “Oh! Greek Quinoa Salad!” with more than just a little twinkle in my eye, she met me with some serious skepticism. So I launched into why I love this Mediterranean Quinoa (and quinoa in general) so much.
Absolutely delicious! I made this for dinner this evening and it turned out fantastic.
The Benefits of Quinoa
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love quinoa. I’m not saying that you need to get on board for us to be friends, but it wouldn’t hurt. Okay, but in all seriousness, there is so much that is great about quinoa. The thing that I love the most about it is that it acts like both a carbohydrate and a protein in recipe. It’s consistency is so much like rice (hence me turning the classic Cilantro Lime Rice into Cilantro Lime Quinoa), but it is technically a seed, so it has protein in it. That means that it keeps you fuller longer. Which for me personally means that I eat less. Which is kind of a great thing, because we can’t call the muffin top “baby weight” anymore when the baby is going to be five in spring. Yikes.
If you want to read more about my love of quinoa, you can check out my Quinoa Breakfast Recipe, it is a great breakfast that keeps me full all morning. You could also read this post about Instant Pot Quinoa. It is an easy way to make it and it turns out perfect every time.
How to Make Greek Quinoa Salad
This Greek Quinoa Salad, or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, is amazing because it comes together so easily. It is full of amazing fresh ingredients and totally packed with flavor. It is a delicious cold salad that is perfect to make ahead and eat all week long.
- Make the quinoa. I love making my quinoa in the Instant Pot because it makes it so easy, but you can easily make it on the stove top. Just be sure to rinse it first.
- Make the dressing. I love my Greek Salad Dressing on this recipe! But you could just as easily use my Balsamic Dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients. Toss the cooked quinoa with the chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and dressing!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- cucumber
- tomatoes
- red onion
- red pepper
- feta cheese
- kalamata olives
- greek salad dressing
Toss all of the ingredients together and then dress it lightly, adding more to taste. Isn’t it so simple?
FAQ
How long does this quinoa salad last?
This salad is freshest the day it is thrown together. That being said, it will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to make it last longer, don’t toss the whole salad with the dressing right away.
Can I use store bought Greek dressing?
Of course! I love my homemade recipe, but if making your own dressing will hold you back from making this, use store bought.
Can I leave out the feta cheese?
Yes! This recipe becomes vegan if you take out the feta cheese! I love feta cheese and I think it is perfect in this recipe, but it is also delicious without it.
Other Great Salads and Sides
If you make this Greek Quinoa Salad, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Greek Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 1 medium cucumber diced
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1 small red pepper diced
- 6 oz feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup Greek Salad Dressing added to taste
Instructions
- Combine the quinoa and two cups of water in a medium saucepan over medium high heat until boiling. Reduce to a simmer, and continue cooking until all the water is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- After quinoa has cooled, combine with the veggies and feta.
- Top with Greek Salad Dressing to taste (about half the original recipe makes for great flavor without being too much).
Allison says
Oh I’m super excited I found this! What a great idea to put that in Quinoa! Thanks!
Christy says
What is the serving size for this?
Well if you are me, it makes one serving that you eat straight from the mixing bowl. :) If you are a normal person serving this as a main dish, I would say four servings, as a side, probably eight.
Sandi says
I make a very similar Greek Salad in Australia but my love is Pearl Couscous in mine. As it’s Minus 1 here salad is the last thing on my mind. LOL. A nice warm Soup would be nice.
Hi Sandi! Good news is I am a soup lover. You can find a wealth of soup recipes here.
CAROLE LEGRIS says
fantastic salad.
Isela says
Absolutely delicious! I made this for dinner this evening and it turned out fantastic. I did add a clove of garlic to the mix. :)
I’m so happy you liked it! This recipe gets so little attention but its a favorite of mine!
Trish Peterson says
Best Greek salad EVER!!! Love it!! I appreciate your recipes, they always come out perfect!
I’m so happy you liked it! Thank yo use much for your kind comment.
Kim says
I made this for dinner and the prep was quick and the flavor was light and delicious!! What a great summer dish! I also made the Greek dressing and we loved it!!
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know!
Diane says
I just bought the ingredients for this and will take it to an event. I’m not nervous about it not being good since I haven’t made it before I serve it. I KNOW it will be good! I love cold quinoa salads! On my own (not creative or a good cook) I started making cold quinoa with just tomatoes, avocado, and onions mixed in. No dressing. We love that so this will be fantastic! Some at the event don’t eat dairy or oils so I’ll have the feta and dressing on the side. This should work great!
Putting those on the side is a great idea! I look forward to hearing how you like it!
Meaghan says
I’ve been making Greek salad for years and this has changed the game for me! SO delicious and the addition of a superfood… yes please!! Thank you I LOVE it!!
I’m so happy to hear this, Meaghan!
Lisa Marie says
Hi Lisa, made the salad a couple of weeks ago. It was amazing!! Made as is. I did use my favorite store greek dressing to save time. It was light, fresh and delicious. Thanks so much. Making it again tonight.
I’m so glad you liked it!