Citrus Mint Quinoa Salad with Cherries and Arugula

A refreshing quinoa salad with mandarin oranges, sweet cherries, slivered almonds, fresh mint and peppery arugula tossed in a citrus maple dressing. Light, nutritious and incredibly simple!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
• 1 cup fresh mandarin orange slices + juice of 2 mandarin oranges
• 1 cup fresh mandarin orange slices + juice of 2 mandarin oranges
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup slivered almond
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped mint
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium-sized saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for ~15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and quinoa can be fluffed with a fork.

2. 2

   Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and add orange slices, cherries, arugula, almonds and mint. Toss to combine.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, maple syrup, oil and salt. Pour dressing over quinoa salad and toss to combine. Serve!