Half-Spiced Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant grain salad split into two halves: one with smoky spices and one with tangy citrus, ideal for a light lunch. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 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.

★ 3.7 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let cool. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and paprika to make the dressing. Pour half the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
  3. Step 3: Divide the salad into two halves. For the first half, add feta cheese and toss gently. For the second half, sprinkle with additional paprika and a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Spiced Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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 Half-Spiced Quinoa Salad vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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