Chive and Lemon Quinoa Salad

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

A vibrant salad with fluffy quinoa, fresh chives, and zesty lemon dressing, ideal for garden-to-table dining. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, chives, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked quinoa, 3 tbsp chopped chives, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup diced cucumber to the bowl. Gently toss until vegetables are coated.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chive and Lemon Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Chive and Lemon 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 Chive and Lemon 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 Chive and Lemon Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Chive and Lemon Quinoa Salad?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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