GREEK-INSPIRED QUINOA SALAD

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad image

Packed with flavorful power foods, this salad is as delicious as it is healthy and good for you. Served cold, it's perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. -Julie Stockel, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1 cup grape tomatoes
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/2 cup Greek olives, pitted and halved
3/4 cup reduced-fat Greek or Italian salad dressing, divided

Steps:

In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from the heat., In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, pepperoncini and olives. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Just before serving, drizzle remaining dressing over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 472mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges