Greek Quinoa Salad combines my favorite Greek Salad recipe with protein packed quinoa for the perfect make ahead lunch, side or main dish!

Made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, peppers, black olives, feta cheese and of course quinoa, this quinoa salad is light, fresh and loved by everyone.

Overhead shot of Greek Quinoa Salad in white bowl

The flavors of a Greek salad are so fresh that I am continuously creating new dishes with this combination! From Greek Tortellini Salad to Easy Greek Pasta Salad, it seems that nobody can get enough!

I often make a yummy Black Bean Quinoa Salad which has my favorite southwest flavors like cilantro and cumin but my family also really loves this Greek salad twist on quinoa salad! Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, salty creamy feta cheese.

What is Quinoa?

While most people think it is a grain, Quinoa is actually a seed and is prepared in a similar way to rice or barley. It has a slightly nutty flavour which can be served plain or you can add it to salads or even replace the noodles in soup like Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

It is gluten-free which makes it a popular choice for folks who either have a gluten intolerance or allergy (ensure your brand specifically lists that it is GF).

Greek Quinoa Salad ingredients in clear glass bowl before mixing together

How to Cook Quinoa for Salad

Making quinoa for quinoa salad is easy.  The preparation is very similar to cooking rice, only slightly faster.

  1. Rinse the quinoa
  2. Add water in a 1:2 ratio of quinoa:water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10-15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

Some people toast the quinoa by cooking it in a bit of olive oil before adding the water. This brings out the nutty flavour of the quinoa.

Greek Quinoa Salad in a white bowl

How to Season Quinoa Salad

In this easy quinoa salad I add my favorite Greek salad ingredients so I season very simply with salt and pepper and then use Greek salad dressing for flavor.  I prefer homemade but I use store bought from time to time as well! Remember to be generous with the dressing as the quinoa will soak it up.

Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro perfect added to quinoa salad along with almost any roasted or fresh veggie.  We sometimes add diced Oven Baked Chicken Breasts to this salad as well!

More Main Dish Salad Recipes You’ll Love

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Greek Quinoa Salad in a white bowl
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Greek Quinoa Salad

Fresh greek salad tossed with protein packed quinoa for the perfect meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes diced
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper
  • ½ English cucumber diced
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • cup Greek salad dressing or homemade below
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions 

  • Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, red and green peppers, cucumber, olives, red onion and feta cheese and dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Add cooled quinoa and combine.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley on top.

Video

Notes

For a homemade dressing whisk together the following: 
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon basil
5 from 14 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 178 | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 336mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 755IU | Vitamin C: 34.4mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1.6mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American

Where can you find quinoa?

It is typically found in the rice and grain section of your grocery store, but you will find it in health food and bulk food stores as well.

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I love this recipe! I’ve made it numerous times. A great portable lunch if you get tired of sandwiches. I like my food extra flavorful, so I add a little more lemon and red wine vinegar to taste.5 stars

  2. Made this for supper tonight with the ingredients I had on hand and it almost didn’t make it to the table with all the “quality control” I had to do :P It was so delicious, I just couldn’t stop! SWP Employee5 stars

  3. Healthy & delicious, as most Greek dishes are. I topped it fresh dill. A serving is 1/2 cup, but most folks, including myself, can easily devour at least one cup, or even more. We LOVE Greek dishes, so thanx for this yummy & healthy salad recipe.5 stars

    1. Thanks Angelina. I love dill, that sounds like a great addition! Glad you enjoyed it.

  4. I love this! I’ve made it a few times. Could you tell me how much a serving is? I’m doing a cup, but I think it’s too much. Thanks!5 stars