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Arugula Citrus Salad

Zesty Arugula Citrus Salad for a Refreshing Lunch Burst

This Arugula Citrus Salad combines vibrant ingredients for a refreshing and healthy meal option.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa Substitute with couscous or farro for variety
  • 4 cups Fresh Arugula Mix with other leafy greens like spinach for different flavors
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed; you can swap with black beans
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced; substitute with cucumber if needed
  • 1 medium Orange Feel free to use mandarin segments or grapefruit
  • 1/2 cup Slivered Almonds Substitute with sliced almonds or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Opt for vegan feta or leave it out
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can lend a different flavor
  • 3 tablespoons Orange Juice Swap with lemon juice for a punchier tartness
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Adjust according to taste preferences
  • 2 cloves Garlic Crushed; adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Use whole grain mustard for different texture
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup Honey can be used if not vegan
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Red Onion or Shallots Omit if you prefer a milder taste
  • Salt & Pepper Seasoning to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Large salad bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing.
  2. Preheat oven's broiler. Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 2-3 minutes under the broiler, keeping a close eye. Alternatively, heat a skillet and toast almonds dry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup. Add chopped onion or shallots, and season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, orange slices, avocado, toasted almonds, and feta if using. Gently mix to blend colors and textures.
  5. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or let chill for a few minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store assembled salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep vinaigrette separate until serving. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in fresh ingredients.

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