Sun-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, zesty salad bursting with the brightness of sun-ripened citrus and the nutty depth of quinoa. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes pairs quinoa, orange segments, grapefruit segments 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 220 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.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa with 1.5 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss 1/2 cup orange segments, 1/2 cup grapefruit segments, and 1/4 cup diced red onion. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa?

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-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa?

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-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa 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 Sun-Kissed Citrus Salad with Quinoa?

Mediterranean salads 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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