Citrus-Mint Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Pomegranate

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-05 · Updated 2026-07-05

A vibrant quinoa salad bursting with fresh cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and a citrus-mint dressing that invigorates the palate. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), 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 1/2-inch cubes cucumber
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp, freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. 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 a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and fragrant.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1 medium diced cucumber (1/2-inch cubes), 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves. Pour the citrus-mint dressing over and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad feels bright and fresh.