Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber

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

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring fluffy quinoa tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a bright lemon-dill dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs uncooked 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 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 2 cups water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup uncooked quinoa and 1/2 teaspoon salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy; remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl and cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion to the quinoa bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; pour over quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber?

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 uncooked quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber?

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 Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber 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 Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber gluten-free?

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

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