Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad
A refreshing and light quinoa salad tossed with bright citrus, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, large, peeled and segmented orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 large, peeled and segmented orange
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork; let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with 1 large peeled and segmented orange, 1 medium diced cucumber, and 1 small diced red bell pepper.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl. Drizzle 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the salad.
- Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then toss gently to combine all ingredients and distribute dressing evenly. Chill for 20 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and 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 Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and 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 rinsed quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and 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 Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and 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 Yahoo-Inspired Citrus and Herb Quinoa Salad 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.
