Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

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

A refreshing salad featuring equal portions of quinoa and couscous, tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs quinoa, couscous, paprika 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 200 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1/2 cup quinoa according to package instructions and cool completely. Prepare 1/2 cup couscous as directed and cool completely. In a large bowl, combine both cooked grains.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh mint. Add to the bowl with the grains, along with 1/2 tsp paprika, and toss to combine.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified. Pour over the grain mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in 1/4 cup diced cucumber and 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing?

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 Grain Salad with Lemon Herb 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 Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing 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.

Is Grain Salad with Lemon Herb 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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