Simple Quinoa Salad

I’ve been making this Easy Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese for YEARS and it’s still my #1 go-to side dish recipe! It’s perfectly light, balanced, and goes with almost any main dish. And as a busy mom of 3, I love that it can be made quickly in under 25 minutes! This is truly the BEST quinoa salad recipe.

Made with perfectly fluffy quinoa, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese, you can’t go wrong with this easy side salad! It’s truly my favorite for cookouts, potlucks, or just a weeknight dinner. You can also add protein to make it a whole meal (I’ve included tons of variations below)! Either way, this easy salad always gets tons of compliments and it’s just the perfect salad for every event.

WATCH: How to Make Quinoa Salad with Feta

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How to make Quinoa Salad

1. To create the perfect quinoa salad, make sure the quinoa is cooked (according to package directions) until it is light and fluffy.
2. Add in salt, pepper, fresh vegetables, and spices!
3. Serve warm or let cool in the refrigerator to add to salads or as a healthy side dish to meals.

Looking for an easy approach to preparing quinoa? Check out our post How To Cook Quinoa Perfectly Every Time.

The quality of the quinoa also makes a big difference in creating the perfect quinoa salad. Order your quinoa from Thrive Market (opens in a new tab) for the best quality options (and get 32% off (opens in a new tab))!

What spices to add

Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic are delicious spices to add to this recipe. You can also try adding cumin, cayenne, or crushed red pepper for extra flavor!

Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Salad – Add in a can of drained chickpeas, chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil + lemon juice for a refreshing, protein-packed twist.

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Bowl – Swap the arugula and tomatoes for roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. Perfect for cozy meal prep dinners!

Southwest Quinoa Salad – Mix in black beans, corn, diced red onion, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Add avocado and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate summer bowl.

Vegan Quinoa Salad – Just leave out the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Still just as satisfying and flavorful!

Pesto Quinoa Salad – Toss the cooked quinoa with a couple tablespoons of your favorite pesto, then mix in cherry tomatoes and spinach for a herby, savory upgrade.

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad – Add cucumber, red onion, and a touch of oregano. It’s so fresh and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or salmon!

How long does quinoa salad last in the fridge?

Quinoa salad can last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator!

Use these airtight containers (opens in a new tab) to help keep your salad stay fresher longer.

Other recipes you’ll love:

• Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad
• Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
• Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa

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ServingsServes 6

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4.64 from 19 votes

Easy Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese

This Easy Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese recipe is perfect for a healthy, everyday dinner, lunch, or cookout side dish. This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is loaded with nutrition and delicious!

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 minTotal: 25 min

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Ingredients

• ▢ 3/4 cups quinoa (dry)
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups water
• ▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp onion flakes
• ▢ 1/2 tsp paprika
• ▢ salt/pepper to taste
• ▢ 10 grape tomatoes (halved)
• ▢ 2 cups fresh arugula
• ▢ 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled )

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the dry quinoa and lower heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes (or until light and fluffy).
3. Mix in the garlic powder, onion flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice the grape tomatoes into halves. 
5. Mix the tomatoes, arugula, and feta cheese into the quinoa.
6. Serve and enjoy or refrigerate and store for up to 3-5 days!

Watch Me Make This

Notes

Carbs: 41  Fat: 8  Protein: 22

Nutrition

Calories: 283 kcal

Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)