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Easy and Healthy Quinoa Salad

Easy and Healthy Quinoa Salad

A fresh, colorful, and protein-packed quinoa salad made with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, healthy lunches, or a refreshing side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked and rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro optional, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
  • While the quinoa cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the bell pepper, finely dice the red onion, and chop the parsley and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Transfer the cooled quinoa to a large bowl. Add the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley, cilantro, and feta cheese.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
  • Serve chilled and garnish with additional parsley or feta if desired.

Notes

 
  • Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
  • Allow the quinoa to cool completely before mixing with the vegetables.
  • This salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or avocado for a heartier meal.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Potassium: 370mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 850 IU
  • Vitamin C: 35mg
  • Calcium: 140mg
  • Iron: 2.5mg