Best 2 Greek Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipes

If you're looking for a healthy, flavorful, and versatile dish, a Greek-inspired quinoa salad is the perfect choice. This colorful and nutritious salad combines the best of Greek cuisine with the goodness of quinoa, creating a delightful and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GREEK-INSPIRED QUINOA SALAD

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad image

Packed with flavorful power foods, this salad is as delicious as it is healthy and good for you. Served cold, it's perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. -Julie Stockel, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1 cup grape tomatoes
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/2 cup Greek olives, pitted and halved
3/4 cup reduced-fat Greek or Italian salad dressing, divided

Steps:

In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from the heat., In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, pepperoncini and olives. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Just before serving, drizzle remaining dressing over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 472mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUINOA GREEK-INSPIRED SALAD

Quinoa Greek-Inspired Salad image

I love pesto, and quinoa is so good for you. So why not mix them and all the amazingness! Bacon is not necessary; chicken would work, or you could go with no meat at all. Serve hot or cold.

Provided by Jasmine Sohrakoff

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth
½ cup quinoa
2 tablespoons pesto
1 roma tomatoes, diced
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Steps:

Bring broth and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a bowl and fluff with a fork.
Stir pesto, tomatoes, feta cheese, and bacon into the quinoa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.6 calories, Carbohydrate 15.7 g, Cholesterol 26.3 mg, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 667.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

Tips:

Selecting the Right Quinoa: Opt for high-quality quinoa, aiming for organic and non-GMO varieties. Different colors of quinoa, such as white, red, or black, can provide variations in taste and texture.
Rinsing and Soaking Quinoa: Before cooking, rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any impurities. Soaking quinoa for 15-30 minutes before cooking aids in reducing bitterness and enhances its texture.
Cooking Quinoa: Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water or broth for cooking. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork when done.
Choosing Fresh Vegetables: Selecting vibrant and crisp vegetables ensures the best flavor and texture in your salad. Look for vegetables that are in season for optimal taste.
Preparing Vegetables: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Blanching vegetables like broccoli or green beans in boiling water for a few minutes preserves their color and texture while maintaining a slight crunch.
Making the Dressing: Whisk together flavorful ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and herbs for a tangy and balanced dressing. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.
Assembling the Salad: Combine cooked quinoa, prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped nuts or seeds in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Greek-inspired quinoa salad immediately or chill it for a refreshing cold salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion:

This Greek-inspired quinoa salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish or a light and satisfying meal. The combination of protein-packed quinoa, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and the irresistible addition of feta cheese creates a harmonious balance of tastes and nutrients. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and dressings to customize the salad to your liking.

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a healthy lunch, or looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal, this Greek-inspired quinoa salad is sure to impress. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors make it a must-try recipe for any occasion.