Best 2 Greek Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipes

Tantalize your taste buds with a delightful Greek-inspired quinoa salad, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. This vibrant dish is a delightful fusion of wholesome quinoa, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a refreshing lemon-herb dressing. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light and healthy lunch, a flavorful side dish, or even a satisfying main course for vegetarians and vegans. With its colorful presentation and irresistible taste, this Greek quinoa salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a delightful addition to your weekly meal plan.

**Recipes provided:**

* **Greek-inspired Quinoa Salad:** The star of the show, a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious and nutritious salad.

* **Lemon-herb Dressing:** A tangy and aromatic dressing that perfectly complements the flavors of the salad.

* **Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip:** A creamy and flavorful dip that adds a touch of indulgence to the salad.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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:

Prepare the quinoa ahead of time: Quinoa can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it a great meal prep option. This will save you time when assembling the salad.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Look for ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Use fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or dill, for added flavor.
Don't overcook the quinoa: Quinoa should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked quinoa will be mushy and unpleasant.
Add the dressing to taste: The amount of dressing you need will depend on your personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Enjoy the salad fresh: Greek-inspired quinoa salad is best enjoyed fresh. The flavors will meld together over time, but the salad will start to wilt after a few days.

Conclusion:

Greek-inspired quinoa salad is a healthy, delicious, and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins and can be easily customized to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.