Interactive Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad

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

A bright and refreshing quinoa salad enhanced with zesty citrus and fresh herbs, perfect for a light and fun meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs quinoa, water, orange zest 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 210 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until clear, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, 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 large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Fluff the cooled quinoa with a fork and add to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat every grain.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed. Chill for 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Interactive Citrus-Infused 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 Interactive Citrus-Infused 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 Interactive Citrus-Infused 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 Interactive Citrus-Infused 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 Interactive Citrus-Infused Quinoa Salad vegetarian?

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

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