Summer Picnic Quinoa Salad Jars

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

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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup uncooked quinoa according to package directions, then spread on a baking sheet to cool completely for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt until emulsified.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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