Sunshine Quinoa Salad

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

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad bursting with citrusy brightness and golden textures. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Toss 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes with 1 small diced red onion and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pour over the tomato mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Step 4: Fold the cooked quinoa into the tomato-parsley mixture. Garnish with additional lemon zest and serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sunshine Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine Quinoa Salad vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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