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Try this refreshing quinoa salad recipe with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

280kcal
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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Bright, fresh, and packed with wholesome goodness, this quinoa salad recipe is a celebration of textures and flavors. Imagine fluffy quinoa tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of dish that feels like sunshine on a plate—perfect for a high-protein lunch or a breezy summer gathering.
Servings 4 servings
Course Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients

Salad Base
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer

Method

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
    Try this refreshing quinoa salad recipe with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
  3. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley to the quinoa.
    Try this refreshing quinoa salad recipe with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld or serve immediately.
    Try this refreshing quinoa salad recipe with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Nutrition

Calories280kcalCarbohydrates30gProtein8gFat15gSaturated Fat3gCholesterol8mgSodium350mgPotassium320mgFiber4gSugar5gVitamin A15IUVitamin C25mgCalcium10mgIron15mg

Notes

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks:
  • Flavor Swap: Swap parsley for mint or basil for a herbal twist—it pairs beautifully with the lemon dressing.
  • Diet Tweaks: Skip the feta for a vegan version, or add chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Texture Fix: Toast the quinoa in a dry pan before boiling for a nuttier flavor.
  • Storage Tip: It keeps beautifully for 3 days—just hold the dressing until serving if meal prepping.

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