Simple Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad

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

A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs and bright citrus for a light and nutritious side or main dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, water, fresh parsley leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/2 cup chopped orange segments to the quinoa.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Herb and Citrus 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 Simple Herb and Citrus 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 Simple Herb and Citrus 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 Simple Herb and Citrus 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 Simple Herb and Citrus Quinoa Salad?

Mediterranean vegetarian 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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