Imagine a salad so vibrant, so packed with flavor, that it makes healthy eating feel like a luxurious culinary adventure. This arugula salad isn't just another boring green dish - it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will revolutionize your meal prep. With crisp apples, nutty almonds, protein-rich quinoa, and creamy goat cheese, this recipe is about to become your new obsession that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the quinoa. Rinse 1/3 cup of dry quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the almonds. If you haven’t already toasted the almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool, then chop them coarsely.
- Next, wash and dry the arugula thoroughly. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl.
- Slice the apple into thin wedges or cubes, removing the core. If desired, you can toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the apple slices to the bowl with the arugula.
- Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the arugula and apples.
- Next, add the toasted almonds to the salad. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure they are coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your arugula salad with apples, almonds, quinoa, and goat cheese!
Tips
- Toast your almonds carefully - the difference between perfectly golden and burnt is just a minute!
- Use fresh, high-quality goat cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Choose a crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith for the best contrast in flavors.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and prevent wilting.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or champagne vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
