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Fresh Quinoa Summer Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado and Feta

fresh quinoa summer salad - featured image
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A vibrant and nutritious summer salad combining fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley and/or mint, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: Kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, or roasted chickpeas

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool completely.
  5. While quinoa cooks, dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion (if using), and chop the herbs.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Once quinoa is cool, add the avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs to the bowl.
  8. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  10. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving if chilled.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Use ripe avocados for best creamy texture and add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Gently toss salad to avoid mashing avocado. Feta can be rinsed if too salty. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. For dairy-free, omit feta or substitute with dairy-free cheese or nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa salad, summer salad, avocado salad, feta cheese, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-quinoa-summer-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-and-feta-easy-and-delicious/