Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Salad

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

Hearty quinoa tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a refreshing lunch. This mediterranean-inspired salads (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water, then combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, whisk together lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, oregano, and salt in a small bowl to create dressing.
  3. Step 3: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly distributed. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & 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.

Is Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Salad gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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