Citrus-Mint Infused Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-24 · Updated 2026-07-24

A light and invigorating quinoa salad featuring fresh citrus and mint, perfect for a revitalizing lunch or side. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, 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
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 large, segmented orange
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, diced cucumber
• 1 small, diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium pot, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mix well.
3. Step 3: Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the bowl with dressing. Toss in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 large orange segmented, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1 small diced red bell pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined and coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and create a refreshing, revitalizing dish.