Made with perfectly fluffy quinoa, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese, you can’t go wrong with this easy side salad! It’s truly my favorite for cookouts, potlucks, or just a weeknight dinner. You can also add protein to make it a whole meal (I’ve included tons of variations below)! Either way, this easy salad always gets tons of compliments and it’s just the perfect salad for every event.
WATCH: How to Make Quinoa Salad with Feta
How to make Quinoa Salad
- To create the perfect quinoa salad, make sure the quinoa is cooked (according to package directions) until it is light and fluffy.
- Add in salt, pepper, fresh vegetables, and spices!
- Serve warm or let cool in the refrigerator to add to salads or as a healthy side dish to meals.
Looking for an easy approach to preparing quinoa? Check out our post How To Cook Quinoa Perfectly Every Time.
The quality of the quinoa also makes a big difference in creating the perfect quinoa salad. Order your quinoa from Thrive Market for the best quality options (and get 32% off)!
What spices to add
Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic are delicious spices to add to this recipe. You can also try adding cumin, cayenne, or crushed red pepper for extra flavor!
Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Salad – Add in a can of drained chickpeas, chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil + lemon juice for a refreshing, protein-packed twist.
Roasted Veggie Quinoa Bowl – Swap the arugula and tomatoes for roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. Perfect for cozy meal prep dinners!
Southwest Quinoa Salad – Mix in black beans, corn, diced red onion, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Add avocado and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate summer bowl.
Vegan Quinoa Salad – Just leave out the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Still just as satisfying and flavorful!
Pesto Quinoa Salad – Toss the cooked quinoa with a couple tablespoons of your favorite pesto, then mix in cherry tomatoes and spinach for a herby, savory upgrade.
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad – Add cucumber, red onion, and a touch of oregano. It’s so fresh and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or salmon!
How long does quinoa salad last in the fridge?
Quinoa salad can last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator!
Use these airtight containers to help keep your salad stay fresher longer.
Other recipes you’ll love:
Easy Quinoa Salad With Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups quinoa (dry)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion flakes
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt/pepper to taste
- 10 grape tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled )
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the dry quinoa and lower heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes (or until light and fluffy).
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the grape tomatoes into halves.
- Mix the tomatoes, arugula, and feta cheese into the quinoa.
- Serve and enjoy or refrigerate and store for up to 3-5 days!
Nancy Lang says:
This was excellent – and very simple to prepare. Only addition is a drizzle of olive oil on top. I paired it with a bean burger patty (sans bread). Wonderful healthy dinner.
Byron Thomas says:
Oh, this salad was soooo good! I have to say, I’m not a huge fan of quinoa, but my family loves it. I loved it paired with the peppery flavour of the arugula though. I think the arugula made the quinoa dish extra special for me.
Kelly says:
I’m so lucky that my three year old loves quinoa and loves feta! This salad looks delicious and I can see us eating it any time of year. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Mahy says:
So healthy so good! I wonder if I’ve seen a better quinoa salad yet? That quinoa / feta cheese combo is simply amazing! Can’t wait to try it this weekend 🙂
Ramona says:
Perfect side to my grill this weekend. Love this salad any time of the day , any season. Just perfect!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says:
This looks like a perfect summer salad! I love the feta and the arugula- this would taste delicious with something fresh off the grill.
jagruti says:
A delicious and easy salad for summer, loving the all healthy and nutritious ingredients went in this salad.
Abbey Sharp says:
This salad looks delicious! Love making a bit batch of salad for the week, so i’ll have to try this one!
Amy Gorin says:
Wow, this looks delish! Love this idea.