McAfee Fortified Quinoa Salad

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

A protein-packed quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, secure meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs quinoa, mixed vegetables, olive oil 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup quinoa in a pot with 2 cups water according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots) with 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Toss with the lemon vinaigrette until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does McAfee Fortified Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 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 McAfee Fortified 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 McAfee Fortified 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 McAfee Fortified 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 McAfee Fortified Quinoa Salad 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.

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