Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad

Light and fresh, this Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad is everything we love about summer eating. It’s filled with ingredients that nourish your body while delivering the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or bringing it to your next backyard gathering, this salad is a simple way to fuel your body and feel your best, one delicious bite at a time.

Ingredients for Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad:

Quinoa– A complete protein packed with fiber, quinoa helps keep you feeling full and energized while adding a satisfying texture to every bite.

Tahini– Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is rich, creamy, and full of heart-healthy fats, making it the perfect base for a flavorful homemade dressing.

Maple Syrup– A touch of maple syrup balances the peppery arugula and tangy lemon with just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Lemon Juice– Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and adds a refreshing citrus flavor while providing a boost of vitamin C.

Arugula– This leafy green adds a peppery bite and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall wellness.

Sunflower Seeds– These crunchy little seeds provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and vitamin E for an extra nutritional boost.

Strawberries– Juicy, sweet strawberries add a pop of color and flavor while supplying antioxidants and vitamin C that make this salad taste like summer!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 tbsps Tahini
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 1/2 tsps Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Water (warm)
• 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
• 6 cups Arugula
• 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
• 1 cup Strawberries (chopped)

Directions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, water and salt. Season the dressing with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
3. Pour the dressing over the arugula and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the cooked quinoa, sunflower seeds and strawberries. Transfer to plates and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Meal Prep- For best results, store all items separately in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving.
• No Arugula- Use baby spinach instead.
• No Sunflower Seeds- Use pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds or chopped walnuts instead.

Health Insights:

• Essential Nutrients- This recipe is packed with a variety of essential nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It also contains fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. Arugula is high in calcium, potassium, folate, and Vitamins A, C and K. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese and potassium.
• Heart Health- The ingredients in this recipe can contribute to heart health. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in tahini and sunflower seeds can help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and increase beneficial HDL cholesterol. The fiber in quinoa and strawberries can also help lower cholesterol levels, and the potassium in these ingredients can help control blood pressure.
• Bone Health- This recipe contains several ingredients that are beneficial for bone health. Arugula and tahini are good sources of calcium, which is essential for bone health. The vitamin K in arugula and sunflower seeds can also help with bone health, as it helps the body use calcium to build bones.