Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad bursting with bright citrus and cooling mint, perfect for a light, fun meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, water, orange 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 large, segmented orange
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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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, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 large segmented orange, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1 small diced red bell pepper.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and vibrant. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Mint 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 Citrus Mint 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 Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad 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 Mint Quinoa Salad 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.
