Elevate your salad game with this delightful Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & Feta. Quinoa, known for its nutty flavor and nutritional benefits, takes center stage in this dish.
Combined with peppery arugula, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures. What’s even better is that it’s prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker. Join us in creating this refreshing and hearty quinoa salad.
Ingredients
For the Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 cups of fresh arugula
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Steps to Make
Step 1
- In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed and drained quinoa with the vegetable broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.
- Let the quinoa cook for about 2 hours, or until it’s tender and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Step 3
- Once the quinoa is cooked and has cooled slightly, fluff it with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped red onion.
Step 4
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together gently to ensure the dressing coats the salad evenly.
Step 5
- Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Once the Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & Feta is well-seasoned and combined, it’s ready to serve.
Conclusion
Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of quinoa. With peppery arugula, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a delightful salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
The convenience of a slow cooker makes the preparation a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-worthy salad in the comfort of your own home.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?
Certainly! While feta complements this salad well, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella.
Can I prepare the quinoa in advance and refrigerate it before assembling the salad?
Yes, you can cook the quinoa in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Can I add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be added to make this salad more substantial and protein-rich.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers, and it will stay fresh for a few days in the refrigerator.
Can I customize the dressing to my taste?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to achieve your preferred balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
