Citrus and Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-05 · Updated 2026-07-05

A vibrant quinoa salad tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy citrus dressing for a revitalizing meal or side. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, cherry tomatoes 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 220 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (uncooked) quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool to room temperature.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves to the cooled quinoa, then pour the citrus dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to feel refreshingly cool.