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Fresh High-Protein Watermelon Feta Quinoa Salad

watermelon feta quinoa salad - featured image
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A refreshing and easy summer salad combining sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and protein-rich quinoa, perfect for light lunches or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups diced watermelon (seedless preferred)
  • 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
  • Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove the natural bitter coating.
  2. Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  4. While quinoa cooks, dice watermelon into bite-sized chunks and set aside.
  5. Peel and dice cucumber, finely chop fresh mint, and thinly slice red onion if using.
  6. Crumble feta cheese and set aside.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine fluffed quinoa, watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
  9. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine, being careful not to break up watermelon or feta.
  10. Fold in crumbled feta cheese last to keep its texture.
  11. If using, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts and toss lightly again.
  12. Refrigerate salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors marry.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to avoid bitterness. Let quinoa rest covered after cooking for fluffiness. Drain watermelon on paper towels if very juicy to prevent sogginess. Add mint fresh just before serving for best flavor. Quinoa can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, quinoa salad, feta cheese, summer recipe, high protein salad, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fresh-high-protein-watermelon-feta-quinoa-salad-easy-summer-recipe/