Light Asian Quinoa Salad

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

A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad with quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty citrus dressing for a light yet flavorful dish. This asian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs quinoa, cherry tomatoes, 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 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Cook in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes until tender, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1 small thinly sliced red onion, and 1 diced avocado.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sriracha, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Light Asian Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Light Asian 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 Light Asian 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 Light Asian Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Light Asian 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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