This Greek inspiredQuinoa Saladincludes bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, olives and a delicious homemade salad dressing. It’s colorful, fresh, and easy.

A top view of a bowl of quinoa salad in a white bowl.

Quinoa is a great base for making salads. It is so versatile and adds a yummy, nutty texture. Adding quinoa to a salad helps to add a little bulk. It is nutritious and will help you stay full longer.

This quinoa salad makes the perfect side dish or it can be eaten as a main dish too. You can easily add chicken to this salad if you are going to make it as your main dish. Myshredded chickenwould go great in it!

A top view of two white plates of quinoa salad next to the main bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Quinoa provides a substantial amount of protein, keeping you full and satisfied for hours.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick side dish or light meal.
You can mix and match vegetables or use a store-bought vinaigrette for convenience.

Recipe Ingredients

Quinoa
Cucumber
Bell Pepper –I used an orange bell pepper for sweetness
Baby Tomatoes
Baby Spinach
Olives –Kalamata or black olives
Red Onion
Pepperochinis
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Garlic cloves
Spices –Dried oregano, salt, and pepper

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

top view of ingredients for quinoa salad

How to Make Greek Quinoa Salad

Step 1.Rinse and cook quinoa with water and salt, then cool.

Step 2.Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 3.Combine quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, spinach, olives, and onion.

Step 4.Mix with dressing, add pepperoncini, chill, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

Is Quinoa better for you than rice?

I love to use quinoa because it has more protein and fiber than if you were to use white rice. It has a lower glycemic index so it won’t spike your blood sugar as much either. Quinoa is richer in minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.

Do I need to rinse quinoa before cooking?

I like to rinse quinoa just before cooking. Quinoa has a coating called saponin. If not rinsed, that coating can give off a bitter taste. A quick rinse will take care of that.

How long does quinoa last in the fridge?

Quinoa is best eaten fresh, but it can last for up to a week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Can you make quinoa salad ahead of time?

This is an excellent salad to make ahead of time. It gets more delicious with a few hours under its belt, and kept well overnight. It works well at a picnic or potluck (no mayonnaise!) and is great to have on hand for a hearty, delicious lunch when you need one.

Can I substitute quinoa for something else?

Not a quinoa fan? You could certainly toss this into some cooked rice or orzo pasta, or skip the grains entirely and toss the lot with several big handfuls of greens. Can’t get enough of feta? Feel free to add a bit. Whatever you fancy.

Is Quinoa healthy?

Yes! Quinoa has double the protein of rice which will keep you full longer. It is also high in fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Total win!

An up close shot of a white bowl of greek quinoa salad.

Expert Tips

Rinsing the quinoaremoves the natural coating, saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
Let the quinoa cool completelybefore mixing with other ingredients toavoid wilting the vegetables.
Taste the dressing as you make itand adjust the honey, salt, and pepperto your preference.
Feel free toadd or substitute any vegetablesyou like or have on hand to make the salad your own.
If youdon’t want to make the dressing, abottled vinaigrettegoes perfectly with it.

How to Serve and Store Greek Quinoa Salad

Adding a protein such aschicken Marbella,honey garlic chicken,lemon chicken, orbalsamic chickenpairs well with the fresh flavors of the salad.Pita breadandhummusare perfect sides for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, keeping the dressing separate to maintain freshness and texture.