Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & Quinoa Salad
A vibrant, no-cook salad bursting with color and crunch, perfect for lunch or a light dinner that feels like a celebration. This vegetarian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated and glistening, ensuring no dry spots remain.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & 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 cooked quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & 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 Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & Quinoa Salad 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.
What goes well with Fun in a Bowl: Rainbow Veggie & Quinoa Salad?
Vegetarian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
