No-Cook Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, light salad featuring fluffy quinoa, bright citrus, and fragrant fresh mint, perfect for a quick healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired healthy bowls (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, water, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. Place quinoa and 2 cups water in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 3 tbsp olive oil until combined and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooked quinoa to the citrus dressing along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Toss all ingredients gently until evenly mixed. Chill for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Cook Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 No-Cook Citrus Mint 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 No-Cook Citrus Mint 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 No-Cook Citrus Mint 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 No-Cook Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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