Wild Arugula Quinoa Salad with Cherries
Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Wild Arugula Quinoa Salad with Cherries is the ultimate blend of health and indulgence. Tender, fluffy quinoa forms the nutritious base, while peppery wild arugula adds a fresh, bold contrast. Juicy, sweet cherries bring a pop of color and natural sweetness, perfectly complemented by the creamy tang of crumbled goat cheese. A sprinkle of slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch, and the honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with an irresistible sweet-and-tangy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy salad is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant side dish—but it’s so delicious, it may just steal the spotlight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups wild arugula
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds
- 0.25 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa absorbs all the water and appears fluffy.
Remove the cooked quinoa from heat, fluff it with a fork, and let it cool to room temperature.
While the quinoa cools, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, halved cherries, slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the salad bowl and toss everything gently to combine.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss again to evenly coat all the ingredients.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for a chilled version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1373 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.9 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 34 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 2749 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 141.8 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.1 g | ||
| Protein | 51.7 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 746 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1952 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
