Arugula Quinoa Salad

This Arugula Quinoa Salad recipe is the perfect combination of peppery arugula, nutty quinoa, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tossed in a bright and zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Whether you're planning a dinner party, searching for a healthy side dish, a light meal, or just craving something fresh and vibrant, this salad checks all the boxes. Plus, it's great for meal prep!

Why You'll Love This Arugula Quinoa Salad

• It’s quick with minimal cooking, mostly toss-and-serve.
• It’s flexible and easy to customize to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
• Balanced with greens + whole grain + healthy fats + optional plant protein = satisfying.
• This arugula quinoa salad delivers bold flavor without heaviness.
• It can easily be made Daniel Fast compliant by swapping out the oil-based dressing with a no-oil dressing like our Oil Free Greek Dressing or Vegan Creamy Italian Dressing.

Health Benefits

• Arugula: high in vitamins A, C, and K; packed with antioxidants; adds that spicy green punch and supports immune health, bone health, and may be protective against certain cancers.
• Quinoa: a complete protein (contains all nine essential amino acids), gluten-free, high in fiber, helps with satiety, and steady blood sugar.
• Almonds: rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and some protein; adds crunch plus heart-healthy nutrients.
• Lemon vinaigrette: the lemon provides vitamin C; olive oil gives monounsaturated fats; Dijon mustard adds flavor and compounds good for digestion.
• Optional extras like roasted chickpeas, air fryer tofu, air fryer tempeh, seeds, or avocado add more protein or healthy fats, and boost texture and nutrient density.

What You'll Need to Make This Arugula Quinoa Salad

• Baby arugula: This peppery green adds a bold, slightly spicy flavor.
• Cooked Quinoa: Adds body and a slight nuttiness.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted until golden brown, they add the perfect crunchy texture.
• Lemon vinaigrette dressing: This good dressing brings it all together with a ton of flavor. Made with extra virgin olive oil, lemons, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and seasonings, this zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to this quinoa arugula salad, adding a ton of flavor.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add lemon zest for an extra citrus kick.
• Use red quinoa for an earthier taste and a pop of color.
• For milder greens, replace part or all of the arugula with baby spinach or mixed spring greens.
• Swap almonds with hemp seeds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds for nut-free options.
• Add some air fryer tofu, air fryer tempeh, roasted chickpeas, or vegan feta for a plant-based protein boost.
• Other optional add-ons include juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sweet golden raisins, red pepper, green onions, or creamy avocado.
• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard in the lemon vinaigrette dressing. It’s the secret to that good dressing flavor!

How to Make This Arugula Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Make the quinoa according to the recipe instructions.

Step 2: Set the quinoa aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Make the lemon vinaigrette dressing according to recipe instructions. Set it aside.

Step 6: In a large bowl, add arugula, cooled quinoa, and toasted almonds.

Step 7: Drizzle half to all of the salad dressing, depending on your taste preference.

Step 8: Toss the arugula quinoa salad and enjoy!

Expert Tips

1. Let the quinoa cool to room temperature (or at least lukewarm) before mixing it with the greens to prevent wilting.
2. Toasting almonds adds a depth of flavor; do not skip this step. The difference between raw and toasted is serious.
3. Prepare parts in advance: cook the quinoa and toast the almonds ahead, then store them separately. Dressing also holds up. Then the assembly is fast.
4. Make extra quinoa for meal prep to use in a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad, or Kale and Quinoa Salad.

Different Ways to Enjoy This Arugula Quinoa Salad

• This arugula quinoa salad is a full meal on its own, thanks to the whole grain quinoa, which is considered a complete protein.
• It also makes a great side salad for our Tempeh Reuben Sandwich, Vegan Chicken Burger, and Tempeh BLT.
• Enjoy this arugula quinoa salad for brunch by pairing it with our Pesto Avocado Toast or Crustless Vegan Quiche.
• Enjoy this delicious salad paired with one of our tasty mocktails, like our Orange Juice Mocktail, Healthy Mojito Mocktail, or Italian Mocktail.
• For a sweet ending, finish off this arugula quinoa salad with our Matcha Oatmeal Cookies and Matcha Nice Cream.

Recipe FAQs

This arugula quinoa salad is the perfect salad for spring and summer. It's vibrant, flavorful, adaptable, and a full meal in its own right. Packed with protein-packed quinoa, peppery taste, and a bright, citrusy vinaigrette—it’s a healthy salad recipe you'll come back to again and again.

So go ahead—grab a salad bowl, toss it all together, and enjoy this nourishing bowl of goodness. Whether it’s for meal prep, a quick main dish, or a flavorful side, this salad brings a ton of flavor with every bite.

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