Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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

A fresh and sustainable quinoa salad loaded with seasonal farm vegetables, dressed in a tangy lemon-tahini sauce reflecting commitment to regional growth. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes blends quinoa, water, halved cherry tomatoes 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 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and water absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 shredded carrot, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and pourable.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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 Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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 Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing 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 Inland Group Farmstead Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing 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.