Oregano-Infused Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
This vibrant and flavorful quinoa salad is a delightful combination of tender roasted vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy feta cheese. The oregano-infused quinoa adds a subtle yet distinct earthy flavor, while the roasted vegetables bring a medley of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a touch of richness and tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even as a main course for vegetarians. The leftovers also make for a great on-the-go meal, ensuring you have a nutritious and satisfying option whenever you need it.
The origins of this oregano-infused quinoa salad can be traced back to the bustling markets of the Mediterranean, where vibrant produce and aromatic herbs have been intertwined for centuries. Merchants from far and wide would gather in these bustling bazaars, trading their goods and sharing culinary traditions. It was amidst this vibrant exchange that the idea for this salad was born, as a fusion of flavors from different cultures and cuisines.
Oregano-Infused Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Oregano-Infused Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Oregano-Infused Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Oregano-Infused Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and oregano.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. While the quinoa is cooking, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.
  7. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  8. Combine the quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Why It Works
  • **Oregano-infused quinoa:** The use of dried oregano in the quinoa adds a subtle yet distinct earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables and the tanginess of the feta cheese.
  • **Roasted vegetables:** Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors, creating a harmonious balance with the quinoa and feta.
  • **Crumbled feta cheese:** The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a touch of richness and tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.