Greek Quinoa Salad as a Healthy Side Dish

This Greek Quinoa Salad recipe brings together delicious Mediterranean flavors into a quick, delicious and healthy Greek side dish that is sure to please!

The other night I cooked a whole box of quinoa and stuck it in the fridge.  This grain-like seed is full of nutrition and the perfect food to make a quick weeknight dinner.  I had dreams of making all kinds of healthy dishes but then forgot about my big bowl of quinoa.

After ordering pizza tonight, I remembered the quinoa in the fridge and thought I'd make this salad as a healthy side dish to balance things out.  Instead of eating half a pizza myself (yes, I can do that), I had a slice (or two) and a nice bowl of this delicious Greek quinoa salad.  It was made before the pizza was delivered.

If you need a gluten free option for a side dish, this is a good one. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is a complete protein and contains essential amino acids. It gets mixed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh parsley, creamy feta and a lemon vinaigrette to make a vegetarian salad or side dish.  

I love doing meal prep and making instant pot quinoa to keep in the fridge. The fluffy quinoa is prepped and all ready to use.  Another great thing about this healthy Greek quinoa salad is that it can be served at room temperature making it perfect for a BBQ or summer party. 

Ingredients

• Tomatoes - You can use really any type like grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or roma tomatoes. Chop larger tomatoes into small pieces while you can half the bite size tomatoes. If you prefer you could also use a smaller amount of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cucumbers- buy cucumbers that are an even green color and without spots.
• Cooked quinoa - I love making mine in an instant pot or pressure cooker.
• Feta cheese - A little bit of this salty cheese crumbled goes a long way.
• Fresh parsley - Fresh herbs provides lots of freshness to the salad.
• Garlic powder - Seasoning that gives lots of flavor.
• Onion powder - More flavor.
• Lemon juice - The tartness of the lemon makes a great dressing.
• Olive oil - This is the binder of the salad. Use extra virgin olive oil if possible.
• Salt and black pepper - If needed for taste.

See recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix together tomatoes, cucumbers, quinoa, Feta cheese and parsley.
• Sprinkle with garlic and onion powder.
• Add the lemon juice and olive oil. Mix together well.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

How to buy and cook quinoa?

• Quinoa can be bought in frozen bags or boxes in your freezer section of the grocery store. This type is precooked and only needs to be heated up in the microwave before using.
• You can also purchase quinoa in boxes or bulk. I like to rinse mine before cooking as it gets rid of the earthiness.  Follow the package directions for perfect cooked quinoa. 
• This is a great ingredient to make a lot of and keep in your refrigerator. You can also cook it then freeze and defrost when you need it. 

 Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It should last up to 3-4 days there.

 Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• There are lots of things you could add in to this Greek side dish for extra flavor. You could do more fresh veggies like chopped red onion, bell pepper or artichoke hearts.
• Try some chopped green onion and black or kalamata olives for a little bit of extra saltiness and bite. 
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and quinoa pair really well together, and adding them will provide some extra plant-based protein. Instead of a side dish, you could make this hearty salad recipe a vegetarian lunch or dinner entree. 
• For a pop of color and flavor, chop up some fresh or roasted red peppers and mix in.
• Change up the dressing by using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice.
• To make this easy recipe into a more complete meal of Greek Quinoa salad bowls, top with some pan fried chicken tenders, shrimp or Lemon Dill Salmon. 

If you like this quinoa recipe, also try my Chicken and Quinoa Salad recipe.

More Greek Recipes

1. Rainbow Greek Chicken Salad
2. Greek Shrimp and Artichoke Salad 
3. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce via Swirls of Flavor
4. Greek Shrimp Skewers

More Healthy Side Dish Recipes

1. Easy Roasted Veggies
2. Tomato Chickpea Salad
3. Marinated Mushrooms
4. Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw
5. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

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RECIPE

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