Description
A vibrant and festive Pomegranate Arugula Quinoa Salad that combines nutty quinoa, tangy pomegranate seeds, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, dressed with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a refreshing nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cups roughly chopped baby arugula
- 1 Gala apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup feta, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup dry quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions, typically simmering in 2 cups water for about 20 minutes until fluffy. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar or small container, combine 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, add cooled quinoa, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cups chopped baby arugula, 1 chopped Gala apple, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 3/4 cup crumbled feta, and 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld. Toss again lightly before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- This salad is a holiday favorite thanks to its bright colors and varied textures.
- Make ahead by preparing the quinoa and chopping ingredients the day before; assemble and dress salad just before chilling.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for different nutty flavors.
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best tartness and crunch.
- For a vegan version, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 14.7 g
- Sodium: 183.5 mg
- Fat: 23.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.3 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6.7 g
- Cholesterol: 12.5 mg
