Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta
A bright, refreshing quinoa salad loaded with crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a zippy lemon-oregano dressing, every bite tastes like a sunny Mediterranean afternoon. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect as a light lunch or vibrant side dish.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~15 min
Cook the quinoa.
1.Rinse 1 cup quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water.2.Combine quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed (15 min).4.Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and spread on a plate to cool completely.TIPSpreading cooked quinoa on a plate stops it from steaming further and getting mushy. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lemon-oregano dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper until emulsified.
- mix · ~3 min
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and kalamata olives.2.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.3.Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, folding lightly to distribute without breaking the feta. - rest · ~10 min
Let the flavors meld for 10 minutes before serving.
Cover the bowl and let the salad rest at room temperature. This gives the quinoa time to soak up the lemony dressing.
TIPThis salad tastes even better the next day — great for meal prep. - serve
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes natural bitterness for a cleaner taste.
- 2Spread cooked quinoa on a plate to cool quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- 3Use Persian or mini cucumbers; they have fewer seeds and stay crunchier longer.
- 4Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after tossing so the quinoa absorbs the lemon-oregano dressing.
- 5For the best texture, fold in feta gently at the end to avoid crumbling it into dust.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken breast to boost protein content, making it a more filling main dish.
veganVegan
Swap feta cheese for 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, plant-based version.
low oilLow-oil
Replace half the olive oil with extra lemon juice or a splash of the pickle juice from the olives for a lower-fat dressing without sacrificing tang.
herb freshHerb-fresh
Replace dried oregano with 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or a mix of fresh mint and basil for a more vibrant herbal kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making this salad a great plant-based protein source.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes provides a good amount of fiber, supporting healthy digestion.
Packed with Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers provide vitamin C and lycopene, which help combat oxidative stress and support immune health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil, olives, and feta cheese offer monounsaturated fats and omega-3s that may help maintain cardiovascular wellness when eaten in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you'll need about 3 cups of cooked quinoa. Skip the cooking step and proceed from the dressing. The texture may be slightly softer.



