This is my summer salad obsession. I have legit ate this 3 days a week for the past 3 weeks, which totally isn't my usual style, but I just. can't. get. enough.

I prep the whole thing on Sunday so all I have to do is toss the ingredients together at lunchtime and voila! a super nutritious and tasty lunch is at my fingertips within 30 seconds. This takes reaching for something subpar out of hunger-induced clouded judgement virtually impossible. It's also good at every temperature so it's an amazing travel buddy!

If you're one of those people that turns up their nose at salad-type food thinking it won't fill you up, you've gotta try this. It's packed with protein from the quinoa, feta, almonds (and yes, even the arugula) and leaves you super satisfied.

This salad totally looks and tastes like something they'd serve up at a fancy spa. It makes me want to toss on a robe, pour a glass of lemon water, and pop some cucumber slices on my eyes while lounging by the pool.

Chicken (organic, pastured, of course) is also a delicious addition to this spa salad situation, and makes it a little more dinner-y feeling if that's what you're going for. I love rolling up flattened chicken breasts with some arugula and feta on the inside and cooking them up in a cast iron skillet. YUM.

Quinoa + Arugula Salad with Grapefruit, Feta + Marcona Almonds

Serves 2-3

Ingredients: (Always organic, if possible!)

1 cup quinoa, cooked
2 cups arugula (or a giant handful)
3/4 cup feta, cubed
1 1/2 grapefruits, segmented
1/3 cup marcona almonds, lightly toasted
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1 tbsp EVOO
1 tbsp ACV
1 tsp dijon mustard

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°, toss almonds in avocado oil + pink Himalayan sea salt, and spread out on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 min, turning almonds over with a spatula after 5 minutes.
Combine lemon juice, grapefruit juice, EVOO, ACV, and dijon mustard in a large bowl with salt + pep and whisk.
Add quinoa, arugula, feta, grapefruit, and almonds to bowl and lightly toss to coat with dressing.
Serve warm or cold + pop some cucumber slices on your eyes!

Health Benefits:

Arugula:

Reduces inflammation
High in antioxidants
Decreases blood pressure
Improves circulation + oxygenation
Lowers risk of cancer
Boosts bone health
Improves digestion
Stabilizes blood sugar levels

Grapefruit:

Boosts immune system
Reduces inflammation
Benefits skin health
High in antioxidants
Reduces risk of cancer, heart disease + stroke
Lowers bad cholesterol
Prevents kidney stones

Quinoa:

Source of complete protein
High in antioxidants
Reduces inflammation
Regulates blood sugar
Lowers bad cholesterol
Promotes cardiovascular health
Reduces risk of cancer
Promotes healthy digestion

Almonds:

Promotes cardiovascular health
Boosts energy levels
Lowers bad cholesterol
Reduces risk of diabetes
Improves blood fat levels
Promotes weight loss
Helps prevent gallstones
Stabilizes blood sugar

Lemons:

High in antioxidants
Helps fight cancer
Lowers inflammation
Protects against arthritis
Improves digestion
Helps reduce fever
Facilitates detoxification + weight loss
Supports liver health
Relieves respiratory problems
Lowers blood pressure

Olive Oil:

Anti-inflammatory
High in antioxidants
Promotes cardiovascular health
Balances cholesterol
Improves digestion
Supports bone health
Improves cognitive function
Lowers risk of cancer

Quinoa + Arugula Salad with Grapefruit, Feta + Marcona Almonds