Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing

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Author: Delphine Fortin
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Diet: Vegetarian

This easy cucumber feta quinoa salad served with a subtle lemon dill dressing is refreshing, crisp and delicious! It is loaded with raw vegetables, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Healthy and naturally gluten-free, this vibrant quinoa salad makes a great vegetarian salad for a quick lunch or for taking to a potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

For the quinoa salad:

1 cup (185g) uncooked white quinoa, rinsed
1 long English cucumber, sliced
1 small bunch radishes, sliced
1 cup (155g) edamame
1 ½ cup (45g) baby spinach
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped*
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped*
5.3 ounces (150g) feta, cubed

For the lemon dill dressing:

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1-2 clove(s) garlic, crushed (optional but recommended)
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil + extra for serving
3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

Place the quinoa in a large saucepan with the 1 ½ cups (350 ml) water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 15 additional minutes. Gently fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let cool to room temperature, or cover and chill for one hour if you prefer your salad fresh.
In large glass jar, whisk together the mustard, garlic if using, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add freshly chopped dill, close the jar with the lid, and shake well. Set aside.
Add cucumber, radishes, edamame, baby spinach, fresh herbs and feta cheese to the quinoa. Pour the dressing over and toss well. Serve the salad topped with an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Note that the flavors will become more subtle as the salad sits.

Notes

* This is a quantity recommendation only. Adjust to your own personal tastes. The more fresh herbs you use, the more refreshing flavors you will find in your salad. Do not forget to use them chopped for deeper flavors.

Note: For even more lemony flavors, you can finely grate the lemon and use about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to toss in the salad. Refreshing and delicious!

Recipe inspired and adapted from The Bojon Gourmet.