Greek Quinoa Salad

by Marcie // May 6, 2021 (updated 5/14/23)

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You’ll get all of the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Quinoa Salad! It’s a satisfying blend of quinoa, chickpeas, feta, and fresh vegetables tossed in tangy Greek dressing. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep!

Mediterranean flavors are some of my very favorite, so classic Greek chopped salad and horiatiki are staples for me in the summer. For those moments when I crave something a bit more satisfying, I make this quick and easy Greek quinoa salad.

This recipe checks all the boxes in flavor and versatility. It’s loaded with summer produce, packed with protein, and works as a meal or as a side dish.

You could even add some Instant Pot shredded chicken, air fryer shrimp, or another favorite protein to stretch the recipe even further.

Keep this recipe in mind for busy weeknights, potlucks, and barbecues. Everyone loves the fresh flavors and textures of this quinoa salad that’s loaded with feta and chickpeas. 🙂

Greek quinoa salad with lemon slices and oregano on top

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

Greek quinoa salad is fresh and flavorful, with protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas to make it extra nutritious and satisfying.
It’s quick and easy. The entire recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and that includes cooking the quinoa!
It’s a fresh but filling salad that can be enjoyed as a main dish or served as a side.
It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great meal prep recipe.
This salad is naturally gluten-free, and may be made dairy-free or vegan by simply omitting the feta cheese.

Recipe ingredients

This recipe incorporates all of the ingredients of classic Greek salad. I almost always have these ingredients on hand during the summer, but this salad is completely customizable if I don’t.

Quinoa. Any color quinoa will work. Be sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking it to ensure that it doesn’t have a bitter flavor.
Veggies. I leaned into the classic Greek salad flavors by using a combination of cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
Chickpeas. Drain and rinse the chickpeas before adding them to the salad. If you don’t have any hand, substitute with white beans or omit altogether.
Feta cheese. Omit the feta to make this salad vegan or dairy-free.
Kalamata olives. This variety of olive is slightly sweet, fruity, and has a good amount of flesh around the pit. Feel free to omit or swap with your favorite type of olives.
Dressing. I always use my Greek salad dressing, which has gotten rave reviews. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use, or you can use your favorite store bought dressing in a pinch.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make Greek quinoa salad

This is quinoa and feta Greek salad is such an easy recipe to make! Simply cook the quinoa, add the veggies, and toss in enough dressing to coat.

Pro tip: Be sure to rinse the quinoa in cold water as this process removes a bitter compound called saponin that coats the seeds. If this step is skipped, the quinoa will have a bitter flavor.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

Rinse the quinoa. Place it in a fine mesh strainer and run under cold tap water.
Cook the quinoa. Quinoa should be added to boiling water (like you do with pasta) and cooked just until it blooms. Drain it well before adding to the salad.
Assemble the salad. Toss together the quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, chickpeas, olives, and red onion with the Greek dressing.

Greek quinoa salad with Greek dressing and oregano alongside

Recipe FAQs

Can this recipe be used for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Greek quinoa salad is the perfect meal prep lunch or dinner. Store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and eat cold, or heat slightly in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Can I add chicken to this salad?

Chicken would be a great addition to this recipe. You can add leftover or rotisserie chicken, or it would pair nicely with Greek chicken souvlaki.

Can I use a different dressing?

To keep this recipe “Greek,” I used my favorite homemade Greek dressing.

However, you’re welcome to use another dressing, such as a red wine vinaigrette, Italian dressing, or lemon vinaigrette for a similar — but different — fresh and tangy flavor.

Serving suggestions

This easy quinoa salad can be served as a main dish or as a side to your favorite summer proteins.

For a full Greek-inspired menu, serve it alongside Greek souvlaki, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce.
Serve antipasto skewers or roasted artichokes as an appetizer for this quinoa salad.
Bulk up this salad by topping with grilled chicken thighs, air fryer shrimp, or garlic butter salmon.
Pair it with classic summer fare like burgers, bbq chicken, and grilled vegetables.

Recipe notes

No quinoa? Use your favorite grain such as farro, bulgar, barley, or try my Greek orzo salad!
This recipe is customizable with whatever you have on hand. Sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers (fresh or roasted), artichoke hearts, and even fresh baby spinach would be great additions/substitutions.
Store Greek quinoa salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may be served cold, or heat for 30-40 seconds in the microwave.

Greek quinoa salad in a bowl with spoon buried inside

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Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram