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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups water or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste You can replace quinoa with other grains. Try couscous or bulgur for a different taste. For a gluten-free option, use rice or millet. If you don’t have feta cheese, try goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese. Fresh herbs add great flavor, but you can use dried herbs if needed. Use dried parsley or mint, but remember to use less. Each serving of this salad has about: - Calories: 240 - Protein: 8g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 5g - Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 3g - Sodium: 300mg This salad is a healthy choice filled with fiber and protein. The fresh veggies add vitamins and minerals. You can find the full recipe linked above for exact steps to make it. Enjoy a fresh and colorful dish! First, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This helps remove the bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, bring two cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Then, add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the quinoa to become fluffy and absorb all the liquid. After cooking, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the salad stay fresh. Now, it’s time to put everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture. Gently mix them with a spatula to keep the feta from breaking apart. This is where the colors and freshness start to shine. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together a quarter cup of olive oil and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Once mixed, pour it over the quinoa salad. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley and mint. These fresh herbs give the salad a bright, lively taste. Adjust the seasonings based on your preference. Enjoy your Herbed Quinoa and Feta Salad! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best texture for your quinoa, rinse it well. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use two cups of water or vegetable broth for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When done, the grains will look fluffy and each one will have a little tail. Let it cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This step keeps the salad light and fresh. Fresh herbs boost flavor in your herbed quinoa and feta salad. I love using parsley and mint because they add brightness. You can chop them finely to release their oils. Mix them in just before serving. This keeps their flavor strong and fresh. Other herbs like cilantro or basil can also work well. Feel free to experiment based on what you like or have on hand. When serving your salad, presentation matters. Use a large bowl or individual plates. This makes it look inviting. Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge for a pop of color. Serve it cold or at room temperature. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great lunch on its own. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make this herbed quinoa and feta salad heartier by adding protein. Some great choices include: - Grilled chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces. - Shrimp: Cooked and tossed in with the salad. - Chickpeas: Canned or cooked, they add a nice texture. Each option boosts the protein and makes it a full meal. You can mix and match these to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to change the vegetables based on what you like or have at home. Here are some tasty ideas: - Bell peppers: Diced and colorful. - Avocado: Creamy and rich. - Spinach: Fresh and leafy. These changes add flavor and nutrients. Think about what’s in season. Seasonal veggies taste better and are often cheaper. If you want a vegan version of this salad, you can replace feta cheese easily. Here are a few options: - Tofu: Crumble firm tofu for a similar texture. - Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor. - Vegan feta: Store-bought options are available too. These swaps keep the salad tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can still enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal with these changes. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. After making the herbed quinoa and feta salad, you may have leftovers. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors strong. Make sure to chill the salad in the fridge right away. If you plan to eat it later, avoid adding dressing until serving. This keeps the salad crisp and vibrant. While I do not recommend freezing this salad, you can freeze the quinoa. Cooked quinoa freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as you can. It will last up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Just remember, the fresh veggies and herbs do not freeze well. When stored correctly, the herbed quinoa and feta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. You’ll want to check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture. If the salad looks good, enjoy it in a wrap or as a side dish. Be sure to give it a good stir before eating. This brings back all the flavors and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Yes, you can! Grains like farro, barley, or even rice work well. Each grain adds a different texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose. For instance, farro takes longer to cook than quinoa. Try different grains for fun variations. To make this salad gluten-free, stick with quinoa. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. All the other ingredients are also gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is gluten-free too. You can use vegetable broth made from gluten-free ingredients. Always check labels to be safe. This salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with pita bread or hummus. This salad adds fresh flavor to any meal. You can find the Full Recipe for this salad in the main article. This blog covered everything you need for a tasty Herbed Quinoa and Feta Salad. You learned about the essential ingredients, easy cooking steps, and helpful tips. We discussed variations and storage options to keep your salad fresh. Remember, you can customize it with protein or veggies to suit your taste. Making small changes can boost flavor and nutrition. This dish is simple, healthy, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating your own version to share with family and friends!

Herbed Quinoa and Feta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Herbed Quinoa and Feta Salad! Packed with nutritious ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion. With a zesty lemon dressing that ties it all together, you'll enjoy a delicious and healthy meal in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed.

    Remove the cooked quinoa from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

          Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine.

            Fold in the chopped parsley and mint for a fresh flavor burst.

              Adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra herbs and a lemon wedge for a refreshing look.