Recently we had someone over to our house to do some work, and I was in the middle of shooting some videos when they arrived. I was a little horrified because when I work I’m kind of like a tornado on crack. I manage to mess up the kitchen and my office and everything that is in between. And given that our house has an open floor plan, that’s a fair amount of crack tornado wreckage. Seriously, it looked like a bomb went off in my kitchen. I sheepishly explained what I do for a living. This kind and generous soul asked what I was making. When I said, “Oh! Greek Quinoa Salad!” with more than just a little twinkle in my eye, she met me with some serious skepticism. So I launched into why I love this Mediterranean Quinoa (and quinoa in general) so much.
The Benefits of Quinoa
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love quinoa. I’m not saying that you need to get on board for us to be friends, but it wouldn’t hurt. Okay, but in all seriousness, there is so much that is great about quinoa. The thing that I love the most about it is that it acts like both a carbohydrate and a protein in recipe. It’s consistency is so much like rice (hence me turning the classic Cilantro Lime Rice into Cilantro Lime Quinoa), but it is technically a seed, so it has protein in it. That means that it keeps you fuller longer. Which for me personally means that I eat less. Which is kind of a great thing, because we can’t call the muffin top “baby weight” anymore when the baby is going to be five in spring. Yikes. If you want to read more about my love of quinoa, you can check out my Quinoa Breakfast Recipe, it is a great breakfast that keeps me full all morning. You could also read this post about Instant Pot Quinoa. It is an easy way to make it and it turns out perfect every time.
How to Make Greek Quinoa Salad
This Greek Quinoa Salad, or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, is amazing because it comes together so easily. It is full of amazing fresh ingredients and totally packed with flavor. It is a delicious cold salad that is perfect to make ahead and eat all week long.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Ingredients
4 cups cooked quinoacucumbertomatoesred onionred pepperfeta cheesekalamata olivesgreek salad dressing
Toss all of the ingredients together and then dress it lightly, adding more to taste. Isn’t it so simple?
Other Great Salads and Sides
Italian Pasta SaladGreek Orzo Pasta SaladStrawberry Spinach SaladCucumber Tomato Salad
If you make this Greek Quinoa Salad, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
Can I use store bought Greek dressing?
Of course! I love my homemade recipe, but if making your own dressing will hold you back from making this, use store bought.
Can I leave out the feta cheese?
Yes! This recipe becomes vegan if you take out the feta cheese! I love feta cheese and I think it is perfect in this recipe, but it is also delicious without it.
