Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad

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A refreshing quinoa salad with bright citrus, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, perfect as a light lunch or side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs quinoa, water, 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 220 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 220 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 tender.
  2. Step 2: Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork, then transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint to the quinoa.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and vibrant. Chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb 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 Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb 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 Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb 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 Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb 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 Merriam-Webster Inspired Citrus and Herb 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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