Description
A festive and flavorful Pomegranate Arugula Quinoa Salad featuring crunchy apples, salty feta, and a tangy balsamic Dijon dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be prepared ahead for added convenience.
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 of dry quinoa under cold water. Cook quinoa according to package directions (usually simmer in water for 15-20 minutes until fluffy). Once cooked, set aside and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar, add 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cups roughly 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.
- Toss and Chill: Toss all the ingredients gently to evenly coat everything with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving chilled or at room temperature for optimal freshness and texture.
Notes
- This salad makes a great make-ahead dish as chilling enhances the flavor blend.
- For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
- Use gluten-free-certified quinoa to keep the salad gluten-free.
- Adjust the dressing seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Can be served as a light main course or a hearty side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- 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
