Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring quinoa, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon tahini dressing that brings everything together. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends quinoa, pint cherry tomatoes, medium cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 medium cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes. Halve 1 pint cherry tomatoes. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 2 tbsp fresh dill.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and dill. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp grated lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour dressing over quinoa mixture. Toss gently until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing?

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 Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing 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 Fresh Herb Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing 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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