Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

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

A refreshing quinoa salad bursting with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables for a light and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, medium, diced cucumber 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese just before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean 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 rinsed quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 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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