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Fresh 15-Minute Quinoa Salad Recipe Easy Healthy Lunch with Veggies and Feta

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A quick and fresh quinoa salad with crisp veggies and creamy feta, perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner. Ready in under 15 minutes, this vibrant salad combines fluffy quinoa, crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to reduce bitterness.
  2. Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan, add 2 cups (475ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Remove pan from heat, keep lid on, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and let cool slightly.
  4. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, and finely chop red onion. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add cooled quinoa to the bowl with veggies. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
  7. Crumble feta cheese and sprinkle over salad along with chopped parsley. Toss gently to distribute.
  8. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add feta just before serving if storing.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Fluff quinoa immediately after cooking to keep grains separate. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Add feta just before serving if storing to maintain texture. Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness if desired. Can add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, healthy lunch, quick salad, vegetarian, gluten-free, feta cheese, fresh veggies, easy recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/fresh-15-minute-quinoa-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-lunch-with-veggies-and-feta/