Half & Half Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring equal portions of cherry tomatoes and cucumber tossed in a zesty half-oil, half-lemon dressing over fluffy quinoa. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes blends (uncooked) quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber 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 320 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 (uncooked) quinoa
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa under cold water until water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
- Step 2: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, add rinsed quinoa and 1/4 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed; remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp chopped dill until emulsified.
- Step 4: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then transfer to a large bowl; add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup diced cucumber.
- Step 5: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated; chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half & Half Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half & Half Quinoa 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 & Half Quinoa 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 & Half Quinoa 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.
What goes well with Half & Half Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
