McAfee Fortified Quinoa Salad
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup quinoa in a pot with 2 cups water according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.