Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Feta and Lemon Dressing

2022-05-05
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Feta and Lemon Dressing
Cook Time:
15 mins
Hands On Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
6 cups spinach mixture + 2 cups quinoa

With classic Mediterranean ingredients including chickpeas, Kalamata olives, pita, and of course, feta cheese, the salad is a delicious and filling meal that makes for a quick and healthy dinner. The tangy lemon-feta vinaigrette is the star of the salad, lifting and brightening the various vegetables, legumes, and grains in this light-yet-hearty meal.

How to Meal Prep Greek Salad for Lunch

Combine the vegetables, chickpeas, olives, and quinoa (make sure the quinoa is completely cooled) in a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette in a separate small bowl, and portion out a few pita chips in another small container or baggie. Wait until you're ready to eat the salad to pour the dressing into the large bowl and mix—this will prevent your spinach from getting soggy and limp.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

  • 1 large lemon (2 tsp. zest, 1/4 cup juice)

  • cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

  • 2 cup chopped baby spinach

  • 1 15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 ¼ cup sliced miniature red, yellow, and/or orange bell peppers

  • 1 ¼ cup chopped cucumber

  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives

  • ¼ cup sliced red onion

  • 1 ½ cup pita chips

Directions

  1. Cook Quinoa

    In a medium saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups water and the quinoa to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Spread the quinoa on a large baking sheet to cool.

  2. Mix Salad Dressing

    Meanwhile, whisk together lemon zest and juice, feta, olive oil, oregano, and 1 tsp. salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

  3. Plate Ingredients and Serve

    In a medium bowl, combine the cooled quinoa and half of the dressing. Spread spinach on a platter, then spoon the quinoa mixture over top. Arrange chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, and olives on the bed of spinach and quinoa. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and sprinkle with red onion. Top with pita chips. If you like, drizzle with additional olive oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

499 Calories
24g Fat
59g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 499
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 1064mg 46%
Total Carbohydrate 59g 21%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin C 123.2mg 137%
Calcium 138mg 11%
Iron 4.5mg 25%
Potassium 501mg 11%
Folate, total 175.4mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.2mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.5mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Related Article

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

This crab rangoon roll-up recipe is the perfect balance of crispy tortilla shell and creamy crab filling. Serve them with your favorite sweet chili sauce.
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Basil, oregano, and chives brighten up this rich Parmesan and ricotta cheese spread. Start your next dinner party with this easy, cheesy appetizer. Just add slices of baguette and veggies for dipping!
Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch might just be your new favorite summer drink. To transform the refreshing punch recipe into a cocktail, spike the fresh ginger-infused sip with rum or vodka.
Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Beyond their delicious taste, pecans are also packed to the brim with nutrition. Read on to find out just what makes pecans such a healthy addition to your lifestyle as well as some tasty ways to get started.
What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What does “natural flavors” mean when you see it on a food or drink label? A flavorist explains how your favorite strawberry drink gets that taste.
13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

Looking for a protein-loaded breakfast? Here are our best energy packed breakfast ideas to give your morning a boost. Incorporate these recipes into your daily routine for a high protein breakfast.
How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

Conquer your next cookout with tips on all you need to know about how long to cook steak on a grill, the best cuts to buy, and how to serve the steak.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

Mash them, bake them, pressure-cook them, or turn them into fries—whatever your method, follow these steps to make perfect sweet potatoes every time.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

From all-American casseroles to Korean-style suppers to Italian chicken Parm, these chicken and broccoli recipes show how that combo *can* be something you eagerly anticipate. We’ve rounded up our best healthy chicken and broccoli recipes (as well as a few more decadent options) to help remix your weeknight menu.
16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

This round-up of cauliflower recipes features the versatile veggie as the star of the plate. Each of these recipes with cauliflower provides a wide array of options everyone can enjoy, any night of the week.
Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

The crunchy combo of snap and snow peas complements the chewy bite of farro and contrasts the juicy orange sections.
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Try this make-ahead breakfast casserole to feed a crowd on a busy weekend. The zesty Mexican flavors will inspire everyone to come back for seconds.
Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes to rev up this classic Italian sausage sandwich recipe.
Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

We've used a 1/4 cup of cookie dough for each of these giant, molasses-infused cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, there's instructions for mini gluten-free ginger cookies, too.
Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

In just 10 minutes, you can have a zesty homemade salad dressing ready. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, so let the vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Don't forget to shake it well!
Portobello Pot Roast

Portobello Pot Roast

Meaty portobellos stand in for beef in this vegetarian portobello pot roast that's as rich as the classic but cooks in a fraction of the time.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

Add complex flavors to your meats, seafood, grains, and veggies with our Test Kitchen tutorials on how to smoke food at home using a charcoal or gas grill.
Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

This is a simple, flavorful way to grill almost any whole fish, with a 'stuffing' designed not to be eaten, but to flavor the fish from the inside out.