Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars
Layered, no-cook quinoa salad packed in mason jars for easy portability and vibrant flavor, perfect for a park picnic. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs uncooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced 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 310 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 uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup uncooked quinoa according to package directions, then spread on a baking sheet to cool completely for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt until emulsified.
- Step 3: Toss cooled quinoa with 2 tablespoons chopped dill, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Layer the salad in 4 mason jars by placing 1/3 cup quinoa mixture at the bottom, followed by 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and topping with remaining quinoa mixture to create distinct color layers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars?
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 uncooked quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars?
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 Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars 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 Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
