Greek Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing

You know the salads you could eat day after day and never get sick of it? This Greek Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing is one of those salads! Made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors of the Mediterranean. Picture it—a bowl brimming with fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, capers, rich kalamata olives, all complemented by the bright flavors of fresh dill and parsley. Each bite, a perfect combination of textures and tastes. While the ingredients are to die for, what truly sets this salad apart is the lemon dressing. Made with the juice of freshly squeezed lemons, a splash of vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of basil and salt. This dressing adds a burst of citrusy freshness that ties the whole dish together. 🍋🌿🏛️

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How To Make Greek Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing

I was thrilled about this salad a well because besides having to cook the quinoa, you’re basically dumping ingredients together, mixing, and serving. That’s always the best kind of meal in my opinion!

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Quinoa cooked
• 1 Can Chickpeas
• 1 Bell Pepper
• 1 Cucumber
• ½ Red Onion
• ¼ Cup Capers
• ½ Cup Kalamata Olives
• 2 Tablespoons Dill fresh
• ¼ Cup Parsley fresh

Lemon Dressing

• 2 Lemons juiced
• ¼ Cup Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 1 Teaspoon Basil dried
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

We’ll start with the quinoa! Add 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or chicken broth in a medium pot on the stove. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, put the heat to low, cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and if you desire—add a little bit of salt, garlic powder, and lemon juice for extra flavor.

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients for your Greek quinoa salad. Start by chopping the bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces! These ingredients will bring a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite. Next, finely mince the dill and parsley to add a fresh, and herbal touch to your salad.

In a large salad bowl, combine all the freshly chopped vegetables, along with the olives and capers, to create a vibrant and colorful base for your salad.

Now, let's make the zesty lemon dressing that will tie everything together. Begin by juicing the lemons to extract their refreshing citrus flavor. I was gifted an electric citrus juicer and it makes juicing super easy. In a small jar, combine the lemon juice with vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Shake the jar vigorously too well combine all of the ingredients!

Toss & Enjoy!

Once the quinoa is ready, add it to the bowl of vegetables and gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad, giving it a final toss to combine all the flavors.

Your Greek quinoa salad is now ready to be served! This simple yet delicious recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful and nutritious meal option. Enjoy the Greek Quinoa Salad with the most delightful Lemon Dressing!

My Favorite Types Of Protein On This Greek Quinoa Salad

When it comes to pairing proteins with our vibrant Greek Quinoa Salad, it’s hard to go wrong! I’ll give you a few of my favorite proteins for some inspiration!

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken marinated in lemon juice and spices is one of my favorite kinds of protein to add to this salad! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above the grill grates for 3-4 seconds before it feels too hot. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on top of a generous portion of Greek Quinoa Salad. The combination of the tender, flavorful chicken with the bright, refreshing salad is simply irresistible.

Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon with lemon, parsley, and garlic—I think this is my absolute favorite protein pairing for this salad! Preheat the oven to 425°F. Get out a medium baking dish or sheet pan, and add the two salmon fillets skin down to the bottom of the dish or pan. Pour the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon, then spread the parsley and the minced garlic evenly on each salmon fillet. Lastly, sprinkle with salt and black pepper for the final touch of flavor. Bake the salmon for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You will know when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145°F. Serve on the Greek salad & enjoy!

Vegan Options

While this salad already has 1 can of chickpeas—to add a deliciously crispy texture and a boost of protein to your Greek Quinoa Salad, try topping it with more pan-seared chickpeas. Start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chickpeas in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, such as smoked paprika or cumin, for added flavor. Once done, sprinkle the crispy chickpeas over your Greek Quinoa Salad for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of deliciousness. This Mediterranean Style Tofu would also be a great vegan option!

More Greek-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re a lover of the flavors in this recipe—here are a few more of my Greek/Mediterranean inspired dishes of mine!

Mediterranean Lentil Wraps—Delight your taste buds and nourish your body with these Mediterranean Red Lentil Wraps! Bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and visually beautiful, these wraps are an easy Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Quinoa Cucumber Salad with Lemon Chicken—This salad is my go-to summer salad! I couldn’t be more excited to share this vibrant and delicious Mediterranean quinoa cucumber salad recipe with you. This dish is so fresh with cucumber, chopped parsley, tomato, crispy chickpeas, radishes, lemon marinated chicken, and my forever favorite—parsley green onion dressing!

Ithaca Beet Hummus—This Ithaca Beet Hummus Copycat recipe is inspired by my new favorite brand of hummus. The first time I bought Ithaca’s Beet Hummus, I fell in love with its texture and taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy The Greek Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing!

Whether you're looking for a satisfying side dish or a wholesome meal on its own, this Greek Quinoa Salad is downright delicious. Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🌿🍋