I love a simple summer salad, especially one with some crunch in every bite. Enter shredded carrots and sliced almonds to add that crunch. The dressing is also simple, using a good extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. I think that easy meals, especially those featuring salads are the way to go in the summer when the temperature rises and the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven.
Carrot and Arugula Quinoa Salad with Almonds
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing summer salad featuring crunchy vegetables, quinoa, and almonds, tossed in a simple sherry vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups arugula
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, arugula, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sliced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad can be made ahead, but add the arugula just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of quinoa should I use for this salad?
You can use any variety of quinoa, but I recommend using white quinoa for a light and fluffy texture that complements the crunchy carrots and almonds.
How do I prepare the carrots for this salad?
You should shred the carrots using a grater or a food processor to create fine strands that mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the sherry vinegar in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute sherry vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
