This recipe for Easy Greek Quinoa Salad, Garbanzo Beans with Feta Cheese as well as a hearty, satisfying vegetarian recipe. You’ll love how the different textures come together to make this filling salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s also oh so easy to make!
As we are staying at home more and more for weather and sickness related reasons, it is tricky to make meals that are high in nutrition. My recipe for Easy Greek Quinoa Salad, Garbanzo Beans with Feta Cheese fits the bill. It is easy to have the ingredients on hand. You can also make substitutions for what you have on hand.
This healthy vegetarian quinoa salad makes for a simple lunch or dinner, thanks to staples like roasted red bell peppers, kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese for your refrigerator and pantry.
Let’s begin making this delicious and nutritious recipe—cook the Quinoa according to the package instructions, allowing it to cool completely. When preparing the Quinoa, I like to add about a 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt to the water to flavor the grains as it cooks. Always bring the water to a boil before adding the salt, so it does not pit and ruin the bottom of the pan.
In the meantime, make the yummy lemon dijon vinaigrette that is full of lemon, garlic, and dijon. Go ahead and pour half over the Quinoa and mix thoroughly. Add the chopped vegetables and toss together gently with the remaining dressing.
It’s time to finish the salad. Add the crumbled feta cheese (goat cheese can be substituted) and Italian Parsley (basil or mint can be used).
Quinoa
You may have heard of Quinoa, but it is considered a “superfood.” If you add any beans to Quinoa, it becomes a “Powerful Superfood.” They are a terrific pairing for your taste buds. Quinoa has a taste and texture of nutty brown rice, and the beans add that rich and creaminess to any recipes.
Quinoa is a gluten-free complete protein. It has a high nutritive value, as one cup of Quinoa is packed with essential nutrients. Just one cup contains protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, folate, and omega-3 acids. Quinoa has anti inflammatory benefits, along with lowering cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
Quinoa and garbanzo beans are a match made in heaven. Together, there is no better way to prevent many diseases and get fiber and protein added to your diet.
Easy Greek Quinoa Salad, Garbanzo Beans with Feta Cheese
Ingredients
Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp. Champagne Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar
- 2 Small Garlic Cloves – peeled and minced
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper
For the Salad:
- 6 cups Tri-Color Quinoa from 2 cups uncooked quinoa
- 1 1/2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes – Multi-color if available
- 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper – cut into small dice
- 2 cups English Cucumber – cut into small dice
- 3/4 cup Pitted Kalamata Olives – roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Green Onions – white and green parts
- 2 cans 15 oz. Chickpeas – drained
- 1 cup Feta Cheese – crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian Parsley – roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil – roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint – roughly chopped
- Red Pepper Flakes – to taste optional
Instructions
- Start the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. With a whisk, stir the mixture until emulsified.
- Place the cooked quinoa in a large mixing blow and drizzle with half of the dressing. Add the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, and green onions. Toss together with the remaining dressing.
- To finish the salad, at the feta cheese and the herbs. Toss all together, taste for seasonings, and add more if desired. If desired, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and gently mix.
Check out my other recipes:
This Roasted Red Grapes with Fresh Thyme, Ricotta Cheese Crostini appetizer is a great addition to your next gathering.
Looking for an easy, yet tasty dinner? Then this recipe Easy Mediterranean Cauliflower Pizza is for you!