Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Rating 5

Packed with flavorful power foods, this salad is as delicious as it is healthy and good for you. Served cold, it's perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. —Julie Stockel, Farmington Hills, Michigan

This recipe is:

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Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe
  • Prep: 30 min. + chilling
  • Yield: 10 Servings
15 15 30

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
  • 1/2 cup Greek olives, pitted and halved
  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat Greek or Italian salad dressing, divided

Directions

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from the heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, pepperoncini and olives. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Just before serving, drizzle remaining dressing over salad; toss to coat. Yield: 10 servings.

Editor's Note: Look for quinoa in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle.

Nutritional Facts 3/4 cup equals 184 calories, 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 9 mg cholesterol, 472 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 7 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat.

Originally published as Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad in Healthy Cooking April/May 2009, p35

Tip

The History of Feta

FETA is a white, salty, semi-firm cheese. Traditionally it was made from sheep or goat's milk but is now also made with cow's milk. After feta is formed in a special mold, it's sliced into large pieces, salted and soaked in brine. Although feta cheese is mostly associated with Greek cooking, "feta" comes from the Italian word "fette", meaning slice of food.

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Reviews for Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad Recipe

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad

Tell us what you think of this recipe.
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(11-17) of 17 reviews

Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2010 by sukeedog

This is super tasty! The pepperoncinis give it a nice kick. I used fresh chopped baby spinach as another reviewer suggested.

Reviewed on Aug. 06, 2009 by jgoldgorin

I have been trying several recipes with quinoa. It is a very good whole grain, and digests slowly so that you feel satisfied longer. This recipe was a hit with my family including my 5 year old. I will definately make this again!

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2009 by christinegibbons

that would be "winner" not "winnder". : )

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2009 by christinegibbons

OMG!! This is SOOOO GOOD! I couldn't stop eating it. I've read about the health benefits of quinoa, but this was the first recipe I've tried. A winnder for sure!

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2009 by jstockel

Quinoa is normally found with in the rice and pasta aisles. You can also find it at bulk food stores though your will have to rinse the quinoa first.

Reviewed on Feb. 28, 2009 by lancaster64

This sounds good. But I have never heard of Quinoa where do you find it?

Reviewed on Feb. 27, 2009 by Dawn V NC

This was a wonderful salad. I made two changes - used chopped fresh baby spinach instead of frozen/thawed; and halved the grape tomatoes. I served it in pitas with slices of red onion. I will definitely make again.

 
 

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