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To create a bright and tasty Greek quinoa salad, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups water or vegetable broth - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh ingredients bring life to this salad. The diced cucumber adds a crisp bite. Cherry tomatoes offer sweetness and color. Red onion gives a mild sharpness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with its green hue. Dried oregano adds an earthy flavor that works well with the other ingredients. You can customize this salad to fit your taste. Feta cheese is a great add-on, giving a creamy texture and salty flavor. If you want more protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken. Avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats too. Feel free to mix in any of your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To start, measure one cup of rinsed quinoa. Place it in a medium saucepan. Add two cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. When it starts boiling, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should become fluffy and absorb all the liquid. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. While the quinoa cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Dice one cup of cucumber and add it to the bowl. Next, halve one cup of cherry tomatoes and toss them in as well. Finely chop half a cup of red onion and add it too. Then, pit and halve half a cup of Kalamata olives. If you like feta cheese, crumble half a cup and add it to the bowl. Each ingredient brings its own taste and texture to the salad. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. This dressing will tie all the flavors together. Pour it over the salad mixture and toss everything again. Finally, fold in a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. You can find the full recipe [here](#). To fluff quinoa, start by rinsing it well. This removes bitter saponins. Then, cook the quinoa in water or broth. Once cooked, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. After that, use a fork to fluff it gently. This helps separate the grains and gives you a light texture. Serve the Greek quinoa salad cool or at room temperature. You can place it in a large bowl for sharing. For individual servings, use small plates. Add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. This salad also works great as a picnic dish or potluck favorite. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like mint or dill. You can also mix in roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. A dash of red wine vinegar adds a tangy kick. If you love spice, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust flavors to match your taste. For the full recipe, check out the Greek Quinoa Salad recipe above. {{image_2}} You can add a range of tasty veggies to your Greek quinoa salad. Consider bell peppers for sweetness, or spinach for a nutrient boost. Artichoke hearts bring a unique flavor, while chickpeas add heartiness. All these options keep the salad fresh and vibrant. You can mix and match to find your perfect blend. If you want more protein, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. These add a nice flavor and make the salad more filling. For a plant-based option, tofu or tempeh works well. You can season them with herbs and spices for extra taste. The key is to balance flavors while enhancing nutrition. This salad is already gluten-free since quinoa is a great grain choice. However, you can swap ingredients for more options. For instance, use brown rice or millet instead of quinoa. Both are gluten-free and offer different textures. Just ensure any added ingredients, like dressings, are also gluten-free. Enjoy making this salad your own! For the full recipe, check out the Greek Quinoa Salad. To store leftover Greek quinoa salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Make sure to cool the salad before sealing the container. If you add feta cheese, store it separately to keep it fresh longer. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for the best results. Glass containers are great for microwave use and do not stain. Plastic containers are lighter and easier to carry. Choose one that fits your fridge space well. Greek quinoa salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Check for any signs of spoilage, like odd smells or changes in color. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. You can enjoy the flavors of this salad later with the [Full Recipe]. Greek Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein. It has all nine amino acids. Each serving gives you fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup of cooked quinoa has about 222 calories. You also get healthy fats from olive oil and olives. The fresh veggies add vitamins and antioxidants. This salad is a great way to boost your nutrition. Yes, you can prepare Greek Quinoa Salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting. Make it a few hours in advance or the night before. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste. Add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or beans for extra protein. Swap out the veggies for your favorites, like bell peppers or spinach. You can even change the dressing. Try balsamic vinegar or yogurt for a different flavor. Get creative and make it your own! For the full recipe, check out the details above. We explored the tasty Greek Quinoa Salad. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. Each part is easy to follow and ripe for your creativity. You can add proteins or vegetables for a personal touch. Storing leftovers properly keeps it fresh. The salad is healthy, nutritious, and versatile. Try making it your own to enjoy unique flavors in every bite. Keep it handy for quick meals or gatherings. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Greek Quinoa Salad

Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish? Try this Greek Quinoa Salad, packed with vibrant veggies and Mediterranean flavors! It's a perfect choice for meal prep or a light lunch. Follow simple steps to create a delightful salad with quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is not only quick but also healthy.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by cooking the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).

        Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl and gently toss the ingredients together until well combined.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

            Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again to coat evenly.

              Finally, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and freshness.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an inviting look.