Interactive Web-Inspired Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28

A bright, refreshing quinoa salad bursting with citrus and fresh herbs, perfect for a light, healthy meal that keeps cooking fun and easy. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) 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
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced cucumber
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs 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.
2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl and fluff with a fork; allow to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced cucumber to the quinoa. Pour the citrus dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated and fragrant.