This delicious and easy Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad is a great side to any meal. Made from quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, artichoke hearts, olives, and a quick homemade dressing. Naturally vegetarian and gluten free.
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is kind of a powerhouse food, in my book. And it mostly certainly is in this salad.
I really love how easy salads are to make and I especially get my salad love on during the summer months when my oven is my mortal enemy (because anything that adds heat to my house is not my friend).
But, truthfully, salad can get a bit boring and rarely can step in as the main course for a meal. But this Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad is kind of a unicorn salad. Loaded with protein from quinoa, fresh summer veggies, tangy marinated artichoke hearts and olives, and serious flavors from feta cheese and dressing…this salad dazzles the tastebuds and satisfies the belly.
Health benefits of quinoa
Quinoa is a seed that is typically eaten like a grain. It has become wildly popular in the past few years…and for good reason. This bizarre (and it is weird looking) little seed holds
- a ton of protein
- fiber
- iron
- magnesium
- manganese
It has a slightly nutty flavor and is a great stand-in for rice and even pasta in many dishes. Some people who have a difficult time with grains agreeing with them find quinoa to be kinder on their gut. Its has become a pantry staple in our house and we eat quinoa in oodles of way.
But during the summer months, we are especially loving this easy Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad.
Why this Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad is awesome….
- Lots of protein. So it really stays with you!
- Tangy homemade dressing that you can make in 2 minutes with common household ingredients.
- Great texture. Crunchy veggies, fluffy quinoa, soft feta….yum!
- Lots of veggies. Artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives!
- Adaptable. Leave out what you don’t like and add what you do!
- Great as leftovers. Make some for a dinner side and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Easy to deconstruct for kids. If you have a child who might feel iffy about this salad all mixed together, just leave out some of the ingredients as you put it together and serve it to them deconstructed.
Suggested adaptations
- Make it dairy-free and skip the feta
- Add extra protein. Some cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas would be a lovely addition.
- Add sliced red onion. This is a typical ingredient in greek salads, but I left it out to make this salad a bit more kid friendly.
- Sub the quinoa with cooked brown rice.
- Add sliced avocado right before serving.
Other salad recipes you are going to adore…
- Mashed Chickpea Salad
- Corn and Black Bean Salad
- Greek Chicken Salad
- Smoked Salmon Salad with Quick Lemon Dijon Dressing
- Veggie-Loaded Spring Chicken Salad
Loving this Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad and hungry for more?
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Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
For Salad
- 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned, jarred or frozen artichoke hearts drained and/or thawed
- 1/3 cup feta cheese or to taste
- 1/3 cup sliced olives
For Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl or large glass measuring cup. Set aside.
- Combine salad ingredients into a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
- Pour dressing over salad and stir again.
- Enjoy immediately or cover and let the salad chill in the fridge before serving.
- Store leftovers in fridge for 4 days.
Notes
- This salad has lots of protein. So it really stays with you!
- This tangy homemade dressing can be made in 2 minutes and with common household ingredients.
- This recipe is highly adaptable, so you may leave out what you don’t like and add what you do!
- Make some for a dinner side and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.
- If you have a child who might feel iffy about this salad all mixed together, just leave out some of the ingredients as you put it together and serve it to them deconstructed.
Nutrition
The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!
Comments
Really good. Super easy too.
Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed! And I agree, it is really easy to make and a fun side.
So yummy! Made it over the weekend for something quick and easy to bring to work for lunch. Had a few days worth for lunch and on top of my salads for dinner!
I’m so glad you enjoyed! I love this for lunch too!
Such a yummy way to eat quinoa. Loved having leftovers for lunch! Will definitely make again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Heather!
This must be one of the healthiest salad recipes out there!
I made this salad on repeat last summer, and now that it’s warm, it’s back in our rotation again. It is delicious every time and so easy to throw together. Bonus- it makes for the best leftovers!
Agreed! So good as leftovers!