Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint
A refreshing quinoa salad brightened with fresh citrus juice, crisp cucumber, and cooling mint for a revitalizing bite. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, water, chopped fresh mint leaves 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 quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch cubes cucumber
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the cooked quinoa, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves to the dressing. Toss gently to combine and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint?
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 Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint?
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-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint 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-Infused Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint 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.
