Citrus-Mint Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Feta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

A light and invigorating quinoa salad tossed with fresh cucumber, tangy feta, and bright citrus-mint dressing, perfect for a revitalizing lunch or side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, cucumber 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
• 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold running water and drain. 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 fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour the citrus-mint dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and vibrant.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a refreshing finish.