Native Expression Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad

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

A vibrant quinoa salad with bright lemon-herb dressing, featuring toasted pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes for authentic Mediterranean depth. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs quinoa, chicken stock, 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 380 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water, then combine with 2 cups chicken stock in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes and red onion. Chop parsley and mint leaves finely. Combine with cooled quinoa, toasted pine nuts, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour over quinoa mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Native Expression Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Native Expression Lemon-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 Native Expression Lemon-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 Native Expression Lemon-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.

What goes well with Native Expression Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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