Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Arugula, and Feta
Experience a refreshing blend of flavors with this vibrant Quinoa Salad featuring juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful snack, this salad brings together a variety of textures and tastes. The nutty quinoa serves as a hearty base, while the watermelon adds a sweet and hydrating element. Finished with a zesty lemon and red wine vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts, and a pop of kalamata olives, this dish is not only visually appealing but also rich in nutrients. Share it at your next picnic or enjoy it as a satisfying meal at home.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Juiced from fresh lemons)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Table salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Quinoa
1 cup (Uncooked)
Watermelon
2 cups (Cubed (1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces))
Arugula
3 cups (Baby arugula is best (about 3 oz))
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (Toasted, if desired)
Feta cheese
1/3 cup (Crumbled)
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Red onion
1/4 cup (Diced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and table salt. Whisk the mixture until the salt dissolves.
2
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth and emulsified dressing.
3
Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions, and once cooked, remove it from heat. Allow the quinoa to cool completely before adding it to the bowl.
4
In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, cubed watermelon, arugula, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and diced red onion.
5
Gently toss all the ingredients together with the prepared dressing until they are evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for 20 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious salad!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
11g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Arugula, and Feta?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad that blends nutty quinoa with sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, and creamy feta cheese, finished with a lemon and red wine vinaigrette.
How many calories are in this salad?
There are 100 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains plant-based ingredients and feta cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, table salt, and olive oil.
How much quinoa is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked quinoa.
How much watermelon should I add?
You should add 2 cups of watermelon cubed into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces.
What kind of arugula is best for this recipe?
Baby arugula is recommended, and you will need approximately 3 cups or 3 ounces.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad contains 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fat in this salad?
Yes, there are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
This recipe provides 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped kalamata olives.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of diced red onion.
How do I prepare the quinoa for the salad?
Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously with the lemon juice, vinegar, and salt to create an emulsified dressing.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
While it can be served immediately, refrigerating it for 20 minutes helps enhance the flavors.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifies using fresh lemon juice juiced from fresh lemons.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
Can this salad be served at a picnic?
Yes, its refreshing nature and heartiness from quinoa make it a perfect dish for picnics.
What type of vinegar is used?
Red wine vinegar is used for the vinaigrette.
Is salt included in the nutritional count?
While salt is used in the recipe, the specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional facts.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
Yes, the recipe suggests toasting the pine nuts for better flavor.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be finely diced before being added to the salad.
What texture does the quinoa add?
The quinoa serves as a nutty and hearty base for the salad.
Is this salad good for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch or a delightful snack.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use different proportions of watermelon?
The recipe recommends 2 cups, but you can adjust based on your preference for sweetness and hydration.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe yields approximately 100 calories per serving based on the nutritional breakdown.