Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata make great alternatives for similar texture and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to two days. Toss with vinaigrette just before serving for best texture.

Can I add nuts for more crunch?

Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add delicious texture and an earthy taste.

What type of quinoa works best?

Any variety is suitable, but white quinoa offers a mild taste, while red or black varieties give earthier flavors and more bite.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no gluten and features vegetarian ingredients.

How do I make lemon vinaigrette?

Whisk fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper for a simple vinaigrette.

Quinoa Feta Cranberries Salad

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

Enjoy a vibrant quinoa salad featuring the perfect balance of chewy quinoa, creamy feta, and sweet dried cranberries. Fresh parsley and a lemon vinaigrette bring out bright flavors, resulting in a refreshing dish that's ideal for light lunches or side servings. Simple to prepare, it requires only a mixing bowl and basic ingredients. Whether served as a vegetarian and gluten-free option or personalized with crunchy chopped nuts, this salad offers both nutrition and taste. Each serving provides moderate calories and a satisfying blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it adaptable to different diets and easy to whip up in minutes.

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By Abigail Scott

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:56:00 GMT

A colorful quinoa salad with feta, cranberries, and fresh parsley drizzled with vinaigrette. | cinnamonnest.com

A fresh, tangy salad with chewy and creamy textures.

I love making this salad on warm days when I want something light but satisfying.

Ingredients

Cooked quinoa: 1 cup
Crumbled feta: 1/3 cup
Dried cranberries: 1/4 cup
Chopped parsley: 2 tbsp
Lemon vinaigrette: 2 tbsp

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:: Combine quinoa, feta, cranberries, and parsley.
Add Vinaigrette:: Add vinaigrette and toss gently.

Delicious quinoa salad featuring tangy feta and sweet cranberries for a refreshing summer meal. | cinnamonnest.com

My family always requests this salad at every picnic.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 190, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 6 g per serving.

Dietary Info

This salad is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Optional Additions

Add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Vibrant quinoa salad with creamy feta and tart cranberries, perfect for healthy eating. | cinnamonnest.com

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or can be enjoyed on its own.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?: Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata make great alternatives for similar texture and flavor.
→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to two days. Toss with vinaigrette just before serving for best texture.
→ Can I add nuts for more crunch?: Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add delicious texture and an earthy taste.
→ What type of quinoa works best?: Any variety is suitable, but white quinoa offers a mild taste, while red or black varieties give earthier flavors and more bite.
→ Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?: Yes, it contains no gluten and features vegetarian ingredients.
→ How do I make lemon vinaigrette?: Whisk fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper for a simple vinaigrette.

Quinoa Feta Cranberries Salad

Fresh quinoa, feta, and cranberries tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant, chewy salad.

Prep duration

10 min

Cooking duration

15 min

Total duration

25 min

By Abigail Scott

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Components

01 1 cup cooked quinoa

02 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

03 1/4 cup dried cranberries

04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

05 2 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette

Directions

Step 01

Mix Dry Ingredients: Place cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley into a mixing bowl.

Step 02

Dress and Toss: Drizzle lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly combined.

Necessary tools

Mixing bowl

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.

Contains dairy due to feta cheese.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.

Calories: 190
Fat: 9 g
Carbs: 20 g
Protein: 6 g