This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese is the perfect recipe to spice up your weekly meal prep or to wow guests with!
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese is one of my favorite dishes to make for lunch meal preps, as a side dish, or to bring on a picnic. It is flavorful, packed with protein, and packs well in to-go containers. The best part is that it is extremely easy to throw together.
Quinoa:
For a grain, quinoa is very protein-rich containing 8 grams per cup. Quinoa is a good source (10% or more RDI) of the following: protein, fiber, copper, iron, vitamin B6, and thiamin. (1)
Parsley:
Parsley is considered to be one of the most healthy foods in the world. I TBSP of Parsley has over 70% of the recommended daily intake. What! Amazing. Parsley is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin A. Additionally, Parsley can help reduce blood pressure and bloating, as it works as a natural diuretic. Parsley also supports eye and bone health. (2)
Garbanzo Beans:
Garbanzo Beans are a legume rich in nutrients. They are rich in fiber and protein which contribute to the feeling of fullness and lasting energy. They are a great addition to any recipe as they contain the following per 1 ounce serving (3):
- Protein: 3 grams
- Iron: 4% RDI (recommended daily value)
- Phosphorus: 5% RDI
- Copper: 5% RDI
- Manganese: 14% RDI
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Folate: 12% of RDI
Tips For Perfecting This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese
- The type of feta cheese you use really does matter. Look for high-quality authentic feta cheese or consider heading to a middle eastern/international market to buy the real thing. Authentic feta really will take this dish to the next level!
- Do not overly chop the parsley. Stem the leaves and then lightly chop them, leaving their natural shape intact.
- Make sure to crush the dried mint in your fingers before sprinkling it over the salad to give the most flavor.
- As mentioned below, it is important to allow the quinoa to cool before assembling the salad, as to not wilt the parsley.
- If you use this as a meal prep recipe, I recommend adding fresh olive oil and lemon each time you serve it as it tends to absorb the dressing while in the refrigerator. Make sure to pack some in your lunch for the best experience!
- Feel free to add as much oil, lemon juice, and herbs are you desire!
Ideas On How To Serve This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- I love to have this as a side to my avocado toast for a savory breakfast/brunch.
- This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad makes for a flavorful base for grain bowls.
- Any protein would be delicious served over top of this salad.
- Packed in meal prep containers, it becomes a complete meal with some avocado over top!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese
Equipment
- large pot or rice cooker
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup White Quinoa
- 1 Can Garbanzo Beans Drained and rinsed
- 1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives
- 6 OZ Feta Cheese Crumbled into small pieces
- 1 Cup Parsley Stemmed and lightly chopped
- 3/4 Cup Cherry Tomatos Washed & halved
- 1/4 Large White Onion Diced
- 3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 Juice of fresh lemon
- 1/2 TBSP Salt
- 1/4 TBSP Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 TBSP Dried Mint Crushed in your hands before adding into the salad
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa as the instructions on package state. I personally combine 1 1/2 cups of quinoa with 3 cups of water and cook this in my rice cooker.
- While the quinoa cooks wash & chop all of the listed produce above (parsley, tomatoes, and onion) and drain & rinse the garbanzo beans.
- After the quinoa cooks, measure out 3 cups into a large mixing bowl and allow this to cool (to not wilt the parsley).
- After the quinoa has cooled combine all of the listed ingredients into the large bowl. Mix well & serve!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Please let me know in the comments if you were able to try it or if you have any questions. To learn more about the Radiantly Nourished Blog please visit my About Page and consider connecting with me on Instagram, Youtube, and Pinterest.
Love,
Jordana
Don’t Forget To Hit PIN IT Below To Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Board So You Don’t Lose It!
