Are you ready to transform your boring salad routine into a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance? This Red Quinoa Arugula Salad isn't just another side dish—it's a vibrant, nutrient-packed culinary adventure that promises to elevate your meal game. Imagine a perfect harmony of nutty red quinoa, peppery arugula, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing that will have you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the red quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, add the quinoa to the mixing bowl with the arugula, cherry tomatoes, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your fresh and nutritious Red Quinoa Arugula Salad as a side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter.
- For extra flavor, try toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking to enhance its nutty profile.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the best flavor melding.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- The salad tastes even better when the flavors have time to mingle, so don't be afraid to prepare it in advance.
- Choose fresh, high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or mint to add more complexity to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
