Lime Cilantro Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Bright, protein-packed quinoa salad with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and juicy tomatoes. This american-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, lime 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 350 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
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 diced avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: Whisk 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Add cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 diced avocado. Toss gently until combined.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Chill 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime Cilantro Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lime Cilantro 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 Lime Cilantro 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 Lime Cilantro 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 Lime Cilantro Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this recipe. It's light but packed with flavor. The cilantro and lime are a perfect match for the quinoa base.
- ★★★★★
This salad is a game-changer! The lime and cilantro really brighten up the quinoa, and the cherry tomatoes add the perfect pop of sweetness.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors are great, but I found the salad a bit bland without the optional dressing. Also, the quinoa took longer to cook than I expected for a weeknight meal.
