Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Orphan›Quinoa Salad Recipe

Quinoa Salad Recipe

Inspired by Orphan
Time30m
Serves4

Quinoa with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.

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Ingredients

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Base

Salad Ingredients

Lemon Vinaigrette

Method

Cooking Quinoa

  1. 1

    Rinse Quinoa

    Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 1-2 minutes. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.

  2. 2

    Cook Quinoa

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Fluff Quinoa

    Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

Preparing Salad

  1. 4

    Chop Vegetables

    While the quinoa is cooling, wash and chop the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 5

    Combine Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the chopped mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Making Lemon Vinaigrette

  1. 6

    Mix Ingredients

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assembling Salad

  1. 7

    Combine Quinoa and Vinaigrette

    Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.

  2. 8

    Serve

    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour before serving.

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