Lemony Quinoa Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Lemony Quinoa Salad with Feta and Cucumber is a refreshing dish that combines zesty lemon, creamy feta, and crunchy cucumber to create an explosion of summer flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners, this salad is both visually stunning and nutrient-rich. With its bright colors and delightful textures, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while keeping your meal prep stress-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required after quinoa is prepared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup tri-color quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water until clear. Combine with water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber and halve cherry tomatoes.
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Once quinoa has cooled slightly, fluff with a fork and mix in cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas. Feel free to substitute lime juice for a different citrus twist. To keep cucumbers crisp during storage, add dressing just before serving.