Arugula Citrus Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the peppery flavor of arugula with sweet citrus and creamy avocado. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a vibrant addition to your holiday table. Its unique blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from avocados, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of citrus and savory ingredients allows you to enjoy this salad year-round, adapting it to seasonal produce.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the arugula, orange, and avocado create an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or substitute other greens if you’re looking to switch it up.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make salad preparation effortless. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your Arugula Citrus Salad efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Sheet pan
- Large salad bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa perfectly, ensuring it’s fluffy and well-seasoned.
- Sheet pan: Ideal for toasting almonds evenly without burning them, enhancing their nutty flavor.
- Large salad bowl: Provides enough space for mixing all ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 5 oz arugula, about 5-6 cups
- 1 can chickpeas, drained (15 oz)
- 2 medium avocados, slightly firm is ideal – cut into cubes
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion or shallots
- Salt & pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Arugula Citrus Salad
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients. Fluff with a fork and season with salt.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
While the quinoa cooks, place slivered almonds on a sheet pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to toast. Alternatively, toast them in a small pan over medium heat until they start to brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients together. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Greens
In a large salad bowl, add arugula. Toss with half of the dressing to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, oranges, avocado cubes, toasted almonds, and feta cheese on top. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Enjoy your fresh Arugula Citrus Salad!
How to Serve Arugula Citrus Salad
Arugula Citrus Salad is vibrant and refreshing, making it a perfect dish for various occasions. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a protein boost that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Serve over a bed of cooked grains like quinoa or farro to make it filling and nutritious.
As a Side Dish
- This salad works wonderfully as a side dish alongside roasted meats, adding a fresh contrast.
- It pairs well with hearty soups, providing a light and zesty balance.
Meal Prep Option
- Prepare individual portions in mason jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch during the week.
- Layer the ingredients in the jars, keeping the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess until you’re ready to eat.
With Additional Toppings
- Add extra toppings like sliced radishes or pomegranate seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Consider including some grilled shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist on this classic salad.
How to Perfect Arugula Citrus Salad
To create the best Arugula Citrus Salad, pay attention to these simple tips. They will elevate your dish and ensure maximum flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh arugula and citrus fruits will enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Toast nuts: Toasting slivered almonds brings out their natural oils and adds depth to each bite.
- Make dressing ahead: Prepare your dressing in advance for convenience and allow flavors to meld overnight.
- Add seasonal fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like berries or peaches for added sweetness and variety.
- Balance flavors: Adjust acidity with more lemon or orange juice according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after tossing to keep arugula crisp.
Best Side Dishes for Arugula Citrus Salad
Arugula Citrus Salad can shine even brighter when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement its fresh ingredients beautifully.
- Grilled Salmon: A light and flaky option that adds heartiness while enhancing the citrus notes of the salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the tangy elements of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful grain dish that echoes the quinoa in the salad while providing additional texture.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread brings comfort and pairs well with salads at any gathering.
- Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup offers a cozy addition that balances out the freshness of the salad.
- Mediterranean Couscous: This herb-infused dish complements the salad’s flavor profile with its Mediterranean flair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you make the best Arugula Citrus Salad possible.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Always choose ripe avocados and fresh arugula for the best results.
- Overcooking quinoa: If you cook quinoa too long, it can become mushy. Follow cooking times closely and let it sit covered after cooking to achieve the right texture.
- Skipping the dressing: The dressing is key to bringing all flavors together. Don’t forget to toss your salad with enough dressing for a balanced taste.
- Not seasoning properly: A little salt and pepper can enhance the flavors. Always season your salad before serving to elevate its taste.
- Forgetting about texture: A good salad has varied textures. Include crunchy elements like toasted almonds for contrast against softer ingredients like avocado.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Arugula Citrus Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Arugula Citrus Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of arugula and avocado.
- If necessary, freeze components like quinoa or chickpeas separately.
Reheating Arugula Citrus Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad components on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes. Avoid heating greens directly.
- Microwave: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Again, avoid direct heat on the greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
You can substitute arugula with spinach or mixed greens if you prefer a milder taste.
How can I customize my Arugula Citrus Salad?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or different fruits based on your preference. Ingredients like pomegranate seeds or walnuts work well.
What dressing goes well with Arugula Citrus Salad?
A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and honey complements this salad beautifully.
Can I meal prep this Arugula Citrus Salad?
Yes! Prepare ingredients ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Arugula Citrus Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it versatile enough for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Arugula Citrus Salad
Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Arugula Citrus Salad, combining the peppery taste of arugula with the sweetness of oranges and creamy avocado. This delightful dish is versatile enough for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or as a colorful addition to your holiday table. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it features nutritious ingredients such as chickpeas and healthy fats from avocados, making it both delicious and wholesome. With its stunning presentation and customizable options, this salad is sure to impress your guests while being adaptable to seasonal produce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 5 oz arugula (about 5–6 cups)
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained
- 2 medium avocados, cubed
- 1 orange, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Dressing: olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, maple syrup, red onion, salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions; fluff after sitting.
- Toast slivered almonds on a sheet pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, toss arugula with half of the dressing.
- Add quinoa, chickpeas, oranges, avocados, toasted almonds, and feta cheese on top; drizzle with remaining dressing.
- Gently toss everything together before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg