Garlic-Turmeric Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing
A vibrant and nourishing quinoa salad featuring garlic, turmeric, and a bright citrus dressing to support wellness during cold season. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (gluten free, vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, turmeric powder 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 chopped green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Step 2: While quinoa cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey until combined.
- Step 4: Once quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the sautéed garlic with olive oil, citrus dressing, 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 chopped green onions, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Toss gently to combine all flavors and serve warm or at room temperature as a bright, healing salad.








