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    Recipes » Salad Recipes » Mediterranean Salads

    Greek Quinoa Salad

    Published: Jul 16, 2019 · Modified: May 18, 2020 by Marissa Stevens · 28 Comments

    Vegetarian

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Greek quinoa salad served in a white bowl

    Greek Quinoa Salad is a crowd pleasing choice when you're searching for a hearty dish to share at a BBQ, potluck or picnic! Think of a classic Greek Salad with the added heft of delicious quinoa to make it a meal on its own. It travels beautifully, is just as delicious at room temperature as it is cold, straight from the refrigerator, and holds up for days. So it's perfect for get-togethers and weekday lunches too!

    Greek quinoa salad served in a shallow white bowl
    Jump to:
    • Greek Quinoa Salad
    • How to Cook Quinoa
    • Other Delicious Main Course Salads
    • How to Make Greek QUinoa Salad
    • Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe Video
    • Greek Quinoa Salad
    • 💬 Comments

    Greek Quinoa Salad

    This recipe is a riff on my Greek Farro Salad, with all of the same mouthwatering ingredients like vine ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, olives, capers, feta cheese, sweet bell pepper, and tangy Greek Salad Dressing, but with quinoa as a base instead of farro. It's great for people on a gluten free diet (brands vary on this, so make sure to read the package label), and great for people who love quinoa, like me!

    Quinoa is a wonder seed that happens to be a complete protein, a rarity among plants. It's also high in vitamins and minerals and has that adorable little curlicue in the middle when it's cooked. Most of all, I love it's nutty flavor and delicate crunch!

    How to Cook Quinoa

    Quinoa has a natural coating that can cause a bitter or soapy flavor, so it's important to rinse before cooking (read more about it here). Rinsed quinoa takes about 15 minutes to cook, covered in simmering water, and another 5 minutes or so off of the heat to become fully tender. Then uncover and fluff with a fork before serving. Follow package instructions for exact directions.

    fluffing cooked quinoa with a fork

    Note that you'll want the quinoa to cool at least to room temperature before assembling this salad.

    Give this Greek Quinoa Salad a try for your next weekly meal plan or get-together and I bet it will become a staple salad in your house just like it is in ours!

    Other Delicious Main Course Salads

    • Tabouli Salad (or Quinoa Tabbouleh for gluten free diets)
    • Strawberry Spinach Salad
    • Nicoise Salad
    • Italian Chopped Salad
    • Italian Potato Salad
    • Italian Pasta Salad
    • Carne Asada Steak Salad
    • Greek Potato Salad

    How to Make Greek QUinoa Salad

    Step 1: Combine vinegar, salt and pepper in a large serving bowl. Whisk in olive oil until emulsified.

    whisking greek quinoa salad dressing in the bottom of a wide white bowl

    Step 2: Add quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, shallot, olives, capers, oregano and feta; gently toss to combine. Serve.

    greek quinoa salad ingredients ready to toss
    tossing greek quinoa salad

    Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe Video

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    Greek quinoa salad served in a shallow white bowl

    Greek Quinoa Salad

    Marissa Stevens
    Tender quinoa, crunchy vegetables, cheese and olives tossed in a tangy dressing come together to make Greek Quinoa Salad a hearty and delicious main meal.
    5 from 12 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 297 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup olive oil or more
    • 3 cups cooked quinoa cooled (about 1 cup dry)
    • 4 medium plum tomatoes diced
    • 2 medium cucumbers diced (peeled if necessary)
    • 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
    • 1 medium shallot thinly sliced and separated into rings
    • 24 pitted kalamata olives halved (or pitted Greek olive mix)
    • 1 tablespoon capers rinsed and drained
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 6 ounces feta cheese finely diced or crumbled

    Instructions
     

    • In the bottom of a large salad bowl, whisk together vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Continue whisking while you add olive oil in a slow steady stream; whisk until emulsified. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 
    • Add quinoa, and next 8 ingredients (tomatoes through feta) to bowl; gently toss to coat and combine. Serve.

    Notes

    1. Note that preparation time does not include cooking quinoa or allowing it to cool. Always rinse quinoa until the water runs clear before cooking.
    2. This salad travels well and holds up for a few days in the refrigerator - perfect for weekday desk lunches!
    3. The dressing for this salad is essentially a half recipe of Greek Salad Dressing, a staple in our house!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 621mgPotassium: 414mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 23.9mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 2.2mg
    Keyword 4th of July, game day, gluten free, Memorial Day, picnic, summer
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mediterranean Salads

    • Zucchini Salad with Lemon, Feta and Pine Nuts
    • Tabouli Salad
    • Greek Potato Salad
    • Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Marsha says

      June 06, 2022 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      This is outstanding! I could eat these flavors everyday, and this makes a perfect weekday lunch. I also plan to try this with other grains…farro and buckwheat.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        June 08, 2022 at 10:27 am

        Thank you, Marsha! And great idea to try this salad with different grains.

        Reply
    2. Samantha says

      September 10, 2019 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I substituted farro for the quinoa but for everything else, I followed the recipe. Healthy and perfect for weekday lunches too! I will definitely be making your the Greek dressing for green salads as well. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 10, 2019 at 12:47 pm

        That's fantastic, Samantha! Thank you for coming back to let me know!

        Reply
    3. Kelly | Foodtasia says

      July 22, 2019 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum, Marissa! I'm in love with this salad! My favorite flavors and really digging the quinoa!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 22, 2019 at 2:02 pm

        Thanks, Kelly!

        Reply
    4. Kevin says

      July 20, 2019 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Love addition of quinoa to this salad and of course, love all the Greek flavors! Yum!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 22, 2019 at 2:02 pm

        Thanks so much, Kevin!

        Reply
    5. Paula Montenegro says

      July 20, 2019 at 2:09 am

      5 stars
      Beautiful salad and a new idea for quinoa! I always buy it but then it languishes in my pantry... Thanks for a new idea, my friend. And so simple!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 22, 2019 at 2:03 pm

        Thank you, Paula. It really is so easy to make and disappears fast! 😉

        Reply
    6. Liz says

      July 19, 2019 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, it's been way too long since I've made a quinoa salad! I've even made a Greek version, but I'd be happy to try yours! Perfect for our hot muggy weekend!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 22, 2019 at 2:03 pm

        Perfect timing! Thanks, Liz!

        Reply
    7. Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking says

      July 19, 2019 at 6:55 am

      5 stars
      When we have a gathering, there are a few salads that are a must make, and quinoa salad is one of them! I love the heartiness, and the variety of add-ins that can go with it. Loving this Greek version Marissa! Sounds like one I need to whip up for our next BBQ or picnic!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:00 am

        Thank you, Leanne! I think you'll love it!

        Reply
    8. Tom B says

      July 18, 2019 at 7:25 am

      Marissa,

      I will have to give the quinoa twist a try in the near future. Your original Greek Farro Salad is still a household go-to-recipe on a hot day in Virginia. And today would be one of those days. Heat index over a 100F!

      I know in the food world one can start a raging debate over wine vs vinegar. Me, I am a strong supporter of wine when it can be used. This Greek salad is one recipe that it works well with wine instead of vinegar. I enjoy wine with my food and almost every application when one uses vinegar or makes a vinaigrette it will compete with the wine being served with the meal.

      The key to the substitution of liquids is selecting the right wine – it must be one with good acidity. Staying true to this twist on a Greek Farmers Salad (Horiatiki), I would recommend the Greek wine Assyrtiko. Albariño is a great substitute from Spain. The advantage of using wine is that you also have a perfectly paired wine with your salad that compliments this delicious meal. If you are going to use a red, I would head to a Beaujolais. This French offering has good acid for a red. If you find the crispness of the dish falls short, a drop or two of juice from a lemon will solve that.

      Please keep the summer recipes coming!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:03 am

        That is some hot Virginia weather, Tom! I can always count on you for terrific insight on pairing wine with food. What a wonderful idea to use wine instead of wine vinegar! Thank you for the specifics too - makes me want to head straight to the kitchen!

        Reply
    9. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      July 18, 2019 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      You know I love my Greek flavors Marissa! And quinoa is also at the top of my list. Delicious work my friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:03 am

        Thank you, Mary Ann!

        Reply
    10. Valentina says

      July 17, 2019 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      We love quinoa in this house. My gluten-free son with Celiac shocked me when he gobbled it up when he was a little kid. Now a teenager, he still loves it, and this delicious recipe would be right up his alley. 🙂 And awesome article on Bob's about quinoa. Great resource. Cheers! ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:04 am

        Thank you, Valentina! I hope this one is a hit in your house!

        Reply
    11. David @ Spiced says

      July 17, 2019 at 4:27 am

      5 stars
      I love Greek salad! What a fun twist on the classic using quinoa here, Marissa. I could see this one being perfect for a summer picnic. You've got all the best flavors going on in there!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:04 am

        Thanks so much, David!

        Reply
    12. angiesrecipes says

      July 16, 2019 at 9:27 pm

      This just reminds me that I haven't had any quinoa in a while. The salad looks so refreshing, tasty and jam packed with flavours.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:05 am

        I do the same thing with quinoa, Angie! Forget about it for a while and then am so happy when some new recipe reminds me of it!

        Reply
    13. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

      July 16, 2019 at 4:21 pm

      5 stars
      We mostly enjoy salads throughout the summer time, and greek salad (And its variations) is always a great choice; so light, refreshing yet sattsfying. Love the addition of quinoa here - some carbs never hurt 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:05 am

        Thanks, Ben!

        Reply
    14. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      July 16, 2019 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      I am absolutely LOVING this spin on classic Greek salad, Marissa! The addition of quinoa is brilliant! Fresh, flavorful and perfect for summer!! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 19, 2019 at 11:06 am

        Thank you, Cheyanne!

        Reply

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