Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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

A bright and refreshing salad featuring a mix of fresh annual greens and nutty quinoa tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs annual mixed salad greens, quinoa, water 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups annual mixed salad greens with the cooled quinoa, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 annual mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Herbed Annual Greens and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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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