Arugula Citrus Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Arugula Citrus Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines fresh flavors and textures. This salad is not only easy to make but also packed with healthy ingredients. It features arugula, which offers a peppery taste, along with creamy avocados, sweet oranges, and crunchy almonds. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a great addition to a potluck. Plus, it’s very versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.

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How to Make Arugula Citrus Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 5 oz arugula (about 5-6 cups)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained (15 oz)
• 2 medium avocados, slightly firm is ideal, cut into cubes
• 1 orange, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp chopped red onion or shallots
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. After this, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the salad ingredients. Once ready, fluff the quinoa with a fork and season with a little salt.

2. While the quinoa is cooking, place the slivered almonds on a sheet pan and set them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to toast. Alternatively, you can toast them in a small pan over medium heat until they start to brown.

3. Prepare the salad dressing by combining olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, chopped red onion or shallots, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. In a large salad bowl, add the arugula and toss it with half of the dressing. Then, add the quinoa, chickpeas, oranges, avocado, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and toss everything to combine.

How to Serve Arugula Citrus Salad

Serve this Arugula Citrus Salad immediately for the best freshness. It is a wonderful side dish that accompanies grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Feel free to sprinkle extra feta cheese or almonds on top for added flavor and crunch.

How to Store Arugula Citrus Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within a day or two for maximum freshness. The dressing can also be stored separately if you want to avoid sogginess.

Tips to Make Arugula Citrus Salad

• Make sure to use fresh arugula for the best flavor.
• You can adjust the amount of dressing based on your flavor preference.
• To save time, you can cook quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Variation

You can add other ingredients to this salad such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or different nuts and seeds. Swap oranges for other citrus fruits like grapefruit for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Store the components separately and combine them just before serving for best results.

2. Is there a substitute for quinoa?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa with other grains like farro, barley, or even couscous based on your preference.

3. Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Absolutely! Spinach, mixed greens, or kale would also work well in this salad. Choose whatever you prefer!

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