Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad inspired by lunar exploration, featuring quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing that mimics the crispness of space. This healthy-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Healthy cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and toss gently.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried mint, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified. Pour over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Artemis Moonshot Quinoa Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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