Google Maps Route-Inspired Quinoa Salad

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

A vibrant quinoa salad with crisp vegetables and zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a quick, healthy meal. This Mediterranean-inspired quick recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Dice 12 oz cherry tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Thinly slice 1/2 cup red onion and 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch slices. Toss all vegetables in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp honey until emulsified. Fold the dressing into the vegetable mixture.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Google Maps Route-Inspired Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Google Maps Route-Inspired 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 quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Google Maps Route-Inspired 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 Google Maps Route-Inspired 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 Google Maps Route-Inspired Quinoa Salad 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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