30-Minute Quinoa Arugula Salad

Looking for a crisp, fresh and filling salad to feed a crowd? This 30-Minute Quinoa Arugula Salad hits the spot with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Vibrant in both flavor and color, this refreshing yet hearty salad tops a leafy green and nutty quinoa base with fruit, nuts, and a quick and easy homemade vinaigrette to bring a variety of flavors and textures to each bite.

Toss the Quinoa and Arugula Together

You can either make your quinoa ahead of time and add it to your arugula cold, or you want a warm salad, you can use the freshly cooked hot quinoa.

Using cold quinoa makes for a crisper, more refreshing salad. Using warm quinoa slightly wilts the arugula, leaving you with a cozier dish.

Add the quinoa and arugula to a large bowl and toss together to evenly distribute the grains and greens. This step is especially important if you are using warm quinoa. It will allow the quinoa to wilt the arugula.

Add All Your Ingredients

Once your quinoa and arugula are mixed together, add the nuts, apple, and berries.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss all the ingredients together, so that the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the quinoa and arugula mixture.

Whip Up Your Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

My favorite way to whip up this quick vinaigrette is by adding the apple cider vinaigrette, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup or agave nectar) to a a jar with a lid.

Tightly secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously to combine.

Dress Right Before Serving

I highly recommend serving the vinaigrette on the side and allowing everyone to dress their own individual salad. For starters, some people may like more dressing than others.

Additionally, the longer the salad sits with the vinaigrette on it, the more chance it has to get soggy.

And lastly, leftover salad without the dressing will last much longer in the fridge.

If you do wish to dress the entire salad, you can use up all of the vinaigrette. This recipe is designed to make just the right amount for this salad.

Should You Have Leftovers

This salad without the vinaigrette will last on the counter at room temperature for about four hours. In an airtight container, it will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

If you have leftover vinaigrette, it can last in a sealed jar for up to 3 months.

If your salad is already dressed with vinaigrette on it, it’s best to enjoy it within a couple of hours. Otherwise, it tends to get too soggy.

Green tip: Did you know that of the billions of pounds of food wasted annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens in our homes? Reduce your contribution to food waste by properly storing and enjoying your leftovers!

Additional Serving Ideas

If you want this Quinoa Arugula Salad to be elevated to a main dish status, consider adding an additional hot and extra-filling element.

My favorite ways to make this salad a main is by adding either roasted vegetables or fish (or even both!).

A couple of favorites include these Roasted Honey Gold Potatoes and these Roasted Asparagus and Carrots.

For fish, I love adding this Blackened Cod or Almond Crusted Salmon with Parmesan.

Arugula Quinoa Salad Frequently Asked Questions

What does arugula go well with?

Arugula has a subtly peppery taste and crisp, fresh mouthfeel. It goes really well with grains like farro, couscous, wild rice, and of course quinoa like in this Quinoa Arugula Salad!

It also pairs really well with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and berries.

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa?

The healthiest way to enjoy quinoa is in a salad. It adds protein, heartiness, and texture to any salad!