Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chicken and Feta

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a healthy, protein-packed dish featuring fluffy quinoa, juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or a refreshing side dish!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Quinoa Salad:

1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

2 cups water or chicken broth

2 cups cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 cup cucumber (diced)

½ cup red bell pepper (diced)

½ cup red onion (finely chopped)

½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Lemon Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

1 garlic clove (minced)

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa:

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.

Stir in quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.

Dress & Toss:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for even better flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For Extra Flavor

– Use chicken broth instead of water when cooking quinoa.

Make It Vegan

– Skip the chicken and feta, and add chickpeas for plant-based protein.

Add More Texture

– Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Meal Prep Friendly

– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Make It Creamy

– Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: ~400 kcal

Protein: ~35g

Carbohydrates: ~35g

Fats: ~15g

Fiber: ~5g

Sodium: ~500mg