Looking for a delicious and healthy salad? Try this Balsamic Quinoa Salad recipe that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect light meal or side dish, and ideal for meal prep!

Balsamic Quinoa Salad

Hello, food enthusiasts! Today, I have a delicious recipe to share with you that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also make your next meal prep a breeze.

This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is a blend of some of my favorite ingredients, including the earthy goodness of quinoa, the peppery kick of arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the creamy indulgence of mozzarella. Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is not only refreshing and satisfying, but it’s also an excellent option for meal prepping.

What you Need to Make this Recipe

To prepare this Balsamic Quinoa Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Quinoa: This is perfect to make this salad a little more heartier. If you’re not a fan of quinoa, try swapping it for brown or wild rice!
• Arugula: I chose arugula for the pop of “peppery” flavor, but you can honesty use whatever you have on hand – spinach, kale, mixed greens, etc.
• Vegetables: I chose tomato and red onion to pair with the balsamic dressing, but feel free to add any others or swap these out! Cucumber would also be a great add.
• Mozzarella: This is totally optional, so feel free to leave out if you’re dairy-free or vegan. If you’re looking for a different type of cheese, feta would be another tasty option.
• Balsamic Dressing: If you know me, you know that I love making my own dressing, so I whipped up a simple mixture using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon and honey. However, if you’re in a pinch or want to make this recipe even quicker, feel free to use your favorite pre-packaged balsamic dressing!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Balsamic Quinoa Salad is not only a flavorful and healthy option, but it also lends itself well to meal prepping. By preparing this salad in advance and portioning it out into containers, you can save time and ensure you have a nourishing meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, work lunches, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

Pro Tip: If you’re adding this recipe to your next prep, I recommend tossing the dressing with just the quinoa, tomato, red onion, and mozzarella. Add this mixture to your meal prep container and layer the arugula on top. This will allow the ingredients to hold onto that tangy balsamic flavor while keeping the arugula fresh (because let’s be real, soggy greens are not it)! Then, when you’re ready to eat just give everything a quick mix!

Balsamic Quinoa Salad Recipe

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dry quinoa
• 1-7 oz bag of arugula
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 4 oz mozzarella 
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• 4 olive oil
• 1.5 tsp dijon mustard
• 1.5 tsp honey
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, let cool. 
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked/cooled quinoa, arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella. 
3. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon, honey and salt & pepper. 
4. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
5. Optional: top with chicken or your protein of choice!
6. Serve and enjoy!