Half-Measure Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad
Bright and refreshing quinoa salad with half the usual dressing to keep it light yet flavorful, packed with citrus and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, water, orange juice 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 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled (optional) feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and while warm, toss with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 diced medium cucumber.
- Step 4: Pour half the dressing over the quinoa salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Add the remaining dressing to taste if desired.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving for a salty contrast (optional).
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Measure Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Half-Measure Citrus and Herb 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 Half-Measure Citrus and Herb 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 Half-Measure Citrus and Herb 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.
What goes well with Half-Measure Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad?
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.
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