Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad

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

A fresh and nourishing quinoa salad made with citrus juice and fresh herbs for a bright, healthy meal or side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the warm quinoa and add 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint. Toss gently to combine and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb 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 rinsed quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb 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 Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb 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 Four-Ingredient Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad gluten free?

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

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