Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
A bright, revitalizing quinoa salad tossed with fresh lemon juice, aromatic basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, halved cherry tomatoes 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, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 medium, diced cucumber
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Step 2: Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/2 medium diced cucumber to the cooled quinoa.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Chill for 10 minutes before serving for a stimulating fresh flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 rinsed quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon Basil Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
