Half-Cup Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
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 blends quinoa, couscous, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 couscous
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Cup Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half-Cup Grain Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cup 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 Half-Cup 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 Half-Cup 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this half-cup are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
