Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad

Article written and reviewed by Robby Barbaro, MPH
Published February 26, 2026

A Fresh, Sweet-and-Tangy Salad That Feels Light but Keeps You Full

This Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad is crisp, vibrant, and naturally refreshing. Sweet strawberries, peppery arugula, and fluffy quinoa come together with a simple lemon-tahini dressing to create a balanced dish that feels both energizing and satisfying.

It’s perfect when you want something fresh and colorful that still provides lasting fuel. The mix of textures—soft quinoa, juicy berries, and crunchy seeds—makes every bite interesting while supporting steady energy throughout the day.

Quinoa for Sustained Energy and Plant-Based Protein

Quinoa provides a steady source of complex carbohydrates that help deliver energy gradually to your cells. It’s also a valuable source of plant-based protein, helping support fullness and satiety after meals.

Because quinoa absorbs the lemon-tahini dressing beautifully, it adds both texture and flavor while keeping the dish light and nourishing.

Strawberries for Natural Sweetness and Antioxidants

Strawberries bring natural sweetness and freshness to this salad while providing fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Their high water content makes the dish more hydrating and refreshing, especially when paired with leafy greens.

Whole fruit like strawberries delivers glucose slowly thanks to its fiber and natural structure, helping support balanced blood sugar.

Arugula for Volume, Freshness, and Nutrient Density

Arugula adds a peppery flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and richness of the dressing. It also increases the volume of the salad without adding excess calories, helping you feel full and satisfied.

Leafy greens like arugula are rich in micronutrients and contribute to overall metabolic health.

Lemon-Tahini Dressing for Creaminess and Bright Flavor

A simple dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, date syrup, and warm water brings everything together. The lemon adds brightness and acidity, while the tahini creates a smooth texture.

This balanced dressing enhances flavor while keeping the dish fresh and light.

Sunflower Seeds for Crunch and Texture

Sunflower seeds add a pleasant crunch and subtle nutty flavor, providing contrast to the soft quinoa and juicy strawberries. They round out the texture of the salad and make it more satisfying overall.

Bring It All Together

This Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad is a simple, refreshing way to enjoy a balanced combination of whole grains, fruit, and leafy greens in one satisfying meal.

It delivers steady energy, vibrant flavor, and nourishing ingredients—all while staying light and easy to prepare.

Strawberry Quinoa Arugula Salad

Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 1 Serving
Calories 356 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • ¼ cup (43g) Dry Quinoa - Available in 16-ounce bags
  • 1 tsp (5g) Tahini - Available in 16-ounce jars
  • 1 tbsp (20g) Date Syrup - Available in 18-ounce bottles
  • ¼ cup (61g) Lemon Juice - Juice from 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Water (warm)
  • 5 cups (100g) Arugula - Available in 4-ounce containers
  • 1 ½ tsps (4g) Sunflower Seeds - Available in 16-ounce bags
  • 1 cup (152g) Strawberries (chopped) - Available in 32-ounce bags

Instructions
 

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Let cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, date syrup, lemon juice, and water.
  • Add the arugula to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing. Fold in the cooled quinoa, sunflower seeds, and strawberries. Transfer to plates and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Quinoa: If using pre-cooked quinoa, multiply the uncooked amount listed in the ingredients by 3 to determine the cooked quantity needed. (Quinoa triples in volume when cooked.)
  • No Arugula: Use baby spinach instead.
  • No Sunflower Seeds: Use pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, or chopped walnuts instead.
  • Meal Prep: For best results, store components separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 12gFat: 9gFiber: 9g

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About the author 

Robby Barbaro, MPH

Robby Barbaro, MPH is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Robby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and has been living this lifestyle since 2006. In that time, while eating pounds of fruit every day, his HbA1c has been stable with a current A1c of 5.3%, TIR of 92%, and average total daily insulin use of 30 units.

Robby graduated from the University of Florida and is the cofounder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green. He worked at Forks Over Knives for six years before turning his attention in 2016 to coaching people with diabetes full time.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at VegFest LA, and has been featured on The Doctors, Forks Over Knives, Vice, Thrive Magazine, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.

Robby enjoys exercising every day, spending time with friends, and sharing his lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.