Description

A vibrant and festive Pomegranate Arugula Quinoa Salad bursting with fresh flavors and textures. This salad combines nutty quinoa, peppery arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp apple, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for holiday gatherings, it can be made ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

1 cup dry quinoa
1 cup pomegranate seeds
2 cups roughly chopped baby arugula
1 Gala apple, cored and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup feta, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package directions, usually simmering for about 15-20 minutes until fluffy. Set aside to cool completely before using.
Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar, combine 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and is well combined.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cups chopped arugula, 1 chopped Gala apple, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 3/4 cup crumbled feta, and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
Toss Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 45 minutes up to overnight to allow flavors to meld. Give it a quick toss again right before serving.

Notes

This quinoa salad is perfect for holidays or any festive occasion due to its bright colors and vibrant flavors.
For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Make the salad up to a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
If you prefer, substitute feta with a vegan or lactose-free cheese to suit dietary needs.
Use warm quinoa if you want a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 355 kcal
Sugar: 14.7 g
Sodium: 183.5 mg
Fat: 23.6 g
Saturated Fat: 4.8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18.8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32.3 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6.7 g
Cholesterol: 12.5 mg