Global Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad blending quinoa, farro, and bulgur with zesty citrus dressing for a multicultural twist. This global fusion-inspired sheet pan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, farro, bulgur for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup farro
- 1/2 cup bulgur
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/2 cup farro, and 1/2 cup bulgur. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender, then drain and let cool.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the cooked grains with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Global Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (30 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 Global Grain Salad with Citrus 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 Global Grain Salad with Citrus 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 Global Grain Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Global Grain Salad with Citrus 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.