Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining nutrient-rich cooked soybeans and fluffy quinoa, tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette and garnished with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cooked soybeans, cooked quinoa, orange juice 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 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked soybeans and 1 cup cooked quinoa, fluffing the quinoa with a fork to separate grains.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the quinoa and soybeans mixture, then add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 cooked soybeans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Classic Soybean and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.