Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb Vinaigrette

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

A vibrant quinoa salad with a zesty herb dressing that channels the 'rejuvenated strands' concept, featuring parsley, rosemary, and lemon. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Quinoa, Cherry tomatoes, Fresh parsley 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 310 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then cook in 2 cups water until fluffy (about 15 minutes), then let cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion and 1/2 cup fresh parsley, then mix with 1 tsp chopped rosemary in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 tbsp olive oil, and the parsley-rosemary mixture until emulsified and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and the red onion mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the parsley is vibrant green.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb 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 quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb 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 Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Dandruff-Defying Quinoa Salad with Tea Tree Herb Vinaigrette 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.

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