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Get ready to savor the vibrant flavors of warmer weather with our Arugula Quinoa Salad with Strawberries and Sweet Balsamic Glaze. Juicy strawberries meet nutty quinoa and crisp arugula in a delightful harmony of taste and texture.
Whether you’re packing a picnic, entertaining guests or enjoying a light lunch on the patio, this arugula salad with strawberries promises to refresh and nourish with every bite. What a sweet way to celebrate the season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This arugula quinoa salad is a beauty—and delicious, too. Here’s why I think you’re going to love it.
- Fresh and vibrant ingredients: Juicy strawberries, crisp arugula, and fluffy quinoa come together to create a salad that’s bursting with color and flavor.
- Nutrient-rich goodness: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious, offering a nourishing boost to your day.
- Versatile and customizable: Whether served as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck recipe, this salad adapts beautifully to any setting, making it a go-to favorite for spring and summer gatherings.
- Satisfying and satiating: With a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, this arugula salad with quinoa leaves you feeling satisfied and energized, making it the perfect choice for busy days or lazy afternoons in the sun.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Arugula Quinoa Salad with Strawberries.
- Quinoa—a nutty and protein-rich grain that serves as the hearty base of the salad.
- Mixed greens—This recipe calls for crisp and refreshing arugula, but any salad greens with work, including spinach or mesclun mix. Or, use this Herbed Salad Mix as a bright and lovely salad base.
- Strawberries—juicy and sweet berries that add a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Cucumbers—crisp and refreshing cucumbers add a cool crunch to the salad.
- Blue cheese—bold and creamy crumbled blue cheese adds a distinct flavor to the salad.
- Sunflower seeds—nutty and crunchy seeds that provide a delightful texture contrast.
- Extra virgin olive oil—adds richness and depth of flavor to the salad.
- Sweet balsamic glaze—a luscious and slightly sweet topping that adds a burst of flavor.
- Fresh basil—a fragrant enhancement to the flavor profile of the arugula quinoa salad.
Pair with the Perfect Protein
- Grilled chicken breast—Juicy and tender chicken breasts, seasoned with herbs and spices, complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the balsamic glaze.
- Seared salmon fillet—Buttery and flaky salmon, seasoned with lemon and basil, adds a luxurious touch to the arugula salad while providing a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sliced Steak—Savory and succulent steak, marinated in garlic and rosemary, pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the blue cheese and the peppery arugula.
- Crispy Tofu Cubes—Crisp and golden tofu cubes offer a satisfying plant-based protein option that complements the vibrant flavors of this quinoa arugula salad.
- Grilled Shrimp—Plump and tender shrimp add a touch of elegance to the salad while providing a burst of seafood flavor.
- Marinated white beans—Creamy and flavorful white beans, marinated in garlic, lemon, basil and olive oil, offer a hearty and satisfying protein option that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients of the salad, adding depth and creaminess to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This Arugula Quinoa Salad with Strawberries recipe is delicious topped with the simple glaze and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. It also pairs beautifully with Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette or Lemon Basil Vinaigrette. Check out more homemade vinaigrettes and salad dressings. I also recommend making a batch of these easy Rustic Homemade Croutons.
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Make Ahead + Storage
Feel free to prepare some of the ingredients for this salad in advance for extra easy assembly.
- Store any leftover Arugula Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil, sunflower seeds and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese before serving.
Arugula Quinoa Salad with Strawberries FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a delicious variation.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components of this salad ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness. Cook the quinoa and chop the strawberries and onions in advance, then toss with the arugula and dressing right before serving for best results.
Can I make this salad dairy free or vegan?
Yes, simply omit the blue cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What can I use instead of quinoa?
Feel free to use any grain, seed or pasta. Ideas include Quick and Easy Herbed Couscous, brown rice, farro, barley, wild rice, orzo, millet or buckwheat.
Arugula Quinoa Salad with Strawberries
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Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa rinsed and drained
- 2 ounces arugula
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions and let cool to room temperature.
- Divide the quinoa and remaining ingredients between two plates.
- Dress the arugula quinoa salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
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