This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for any time of year. Loaded with fresh herbs, nuts, and fruits, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The tangy dressing ties everything together, making it an irresistible addition to your meal repertoire.
While most ingredients in this salad are common, you may need to look for pomegranate arils, quinoa, and kalamata olives. These might not be staple items in every pantry but are easily available in most supermarkets. Check the produce section for pomegranate arils, the grains aisle for quinoa, and the international or deli section for kalamata olives.
Ingredients for Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
Quinoa: A high-protein, gluten-free grain that forms the base of the salad.
Almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Mint: Fresh and aromatic, it brings a cooling element to the salad.
Parsley: Adds a peppery, fresh flavor to the mix.
Pomegranate arils: Bursting with tangy sweetness, they add a pop of color and flavor.
Cranberries: Dried fruit that provides a chewy, sweet-tart contrast.
Kalamata olives: Briny and rich, they add depth to the salad.
Olive oil: The base of the dressing, it brings a smooth, fruity richness.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice to the dressing.
Black pepper: Provides a bit of heat and complexity.
One reader, Karlotta Jurado says:
This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The fresh herbs, crunchy almonds, and juicy pomegranate arils create a refreshing and satisfying dish. Perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Making Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
How to rinse quinoa: Use a fine mesh colander and rinse the quinoa under running water for 1 to 2 minutes to remove any bitterness. How to cook quinoa: Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a pot, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. How to toast almonds: Heat almonds in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden on the edges. How to make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and black pepper until well combined.
How To Make Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
Healthy, light quinoa salad featuring pomegranate made flavorful with a sprig of mint and a dash of lemon will induct you to the world of vegan cuisine.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupquinoa
- ⅓cupalmondsslivered
- ⅓cupmintchopped
- ⅓cupparsleychopped
- ⅓cuppomegranate arils
- ⅓cupcranberriesdried, or raisins
- ⅓cupKalamata olivesthinly sliced , and/or 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼cupolive oil
- ¼: 5px”>¼tspsalt
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- black pepperseveral twists, freshly ground
Instructions
-
First, rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh colander under running water for 1 to 2 minutes.
-
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
-
Remove the quinoa from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot, drain off any excess water, and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set it aside to cool.
-
In a small skillet, heat the almonds over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and turning golden on the edges.
-
Transfer toasted almonds to your serving bowl to cool.
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Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
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In a serving bowl, in addition to the almonds, combine the quinoa, chopped mint, parsley, pomegranate, cranberries, and olives or cheese.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Taste and mix in additional salt, pepper, and olive oil if necessary. Serve right away or refrigerate for later.
Nutrition
- Calories: 191.88kcal
- Fat: 11.78g
- Saturated Fat: 1.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.61g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.23g
- Carbohydrates: 18.38g
- Fiber: 3.37g
- Sugar: 1.65g
- Protein: 4.70g
- Sodium: 118.06mg
- Calcium: 45.30mg
- Potassium: 226.92mg
- Iron: 2.09mg
- Vitamin A: 19.77µg
- Vitamin C: 8.18mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
To enhance the flavor of the quinoa, toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before cooking. This will give it a nutty aroma and deeper taste, adding an extra layer of complexity to your herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Quinoa Salad Recipe
Rinse quinoa efficiently: Use a fine mesh colander to quickly rinse the quinoa under running water for 1-2 minutes.
Cook quinoa ahead: Prepare the quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of serving.
Toast almonds quickly: Use a small skillet over medium-low heat to toast almonds until fragrant and golden.
Pre-make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and black pepper ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Chop herbs in bulk: Chop mint and parsley in larger quantities and store in airtight containers.
Substitute Ingredients For Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
quinoa - Substitute with couscous: Couscous has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to quinoa.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for almonds.
mint - Substitute with basil: Basil offers a fresh and aromatic flavor that can complement the other ingredients in a similar way to mint.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro has a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can be a good alternative to parsley.
pomegranate arils - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a sweet and tart flavor similar to pomegranate arils.
cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins offer a similar sweetness and chewy texture, making them a good substitute for cranberries.
kalamata olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives have a briny and slightly tangy flavor that can replace the taste of kalamata olives.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good alternative to olive oil.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the salad.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg offers a warm and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative to ground cinnamon.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for black pepper.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Pomegranate Quinoa Salad
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad in elegant, small bowls or plates to emphasize the refined nature of the dish. This allows each ingredient to shine and ensures a balanced bite every time.
Use decoration: Garnish the salad with a few whole pomegranate arils and a sprig of mint on top. This adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness, making the dish visually appealing.
Layer ingredients: Instead of mixing everything together, layer the quinoa at the base, followed by a mix of parsley and mint, then the pomegranate arils, cranberries, and kalamata olives. This creates a visually striking presentation and allows diners to see each component.
Use high-quality serveware: Present the salad in a sleek, modern bowl or on a pristine white plate. The contrast between the colorful salad and the minimalist serveware will make the dish stand out.
Drizzle dressing artistically: Instead of simply tossing the salad with the olive oil and lemon juice dressing, drizzle it over the top in a decorative pattern. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows diners to see the dressing and anticipate its flavor.
Highlight textures: Ensure the toasted almonds are prominently visible on top of the salad. Their golden hue and crunchy texture will add an enticing element to the dish.
Add a touch of luxury: Consider adding a few edible flowers or microgreens as a final touch. These delicate additions can elevate the presentation and add a sense of luxury to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Quinoa Salads
Fine mesh colander: Used to rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove any bitterness.
Medium-sized pot: Essential for cooking the quinoa by bringing it to a gentle boil and then simmering.
Small skillet: Perfect for toasting the almonds over medium-low heat until they are fragrant and golden.
Serving bowl: Used to combine all the ingredients, including the quinoa, toasted almonds, herbs, and other mix-ins.
Whisk: Handy for mixing together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Fork: Ideal for fluffing the cooked quinoa to ensure it has a light and airy texture.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the mint, parsley, and any other ingredients that need to be finely cut.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping herbs and other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the quinoa, almonds, mint, parsley, pomegranate arils, cranberries, and kalamata olives accurately.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground cinnamon precisely.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Quinoa Salad
- To store leftover herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day!
- If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, mix the cooked quinoa, herbs, and dressing together. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, add the pomegranate arils, cranberries, almonds, and olives for the best texture and freshness.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the quinoa and dressing mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight before adding the fresh ingredients and serving.
- If you have leftover salad that has already been mixed with the pomegranate arils, cranberries, almonds, and olives, it's best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor. The pomegranate arils and almonds may lose their crunch over time.
- To maintain the best quality of the salad, store the quinoa mixture and fresh ingredients separately if possible, and combine them just before serving.
Interesting Fact About Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
A random fact about this recipe is that quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to boost their protein intake.
Is Making Quinoa Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad recipe is moderately cost-effective. The use of quinoa, pomegranate arils, and kalamata olives can be slightly pricey, but the overall nutritional value and flavor complexity justify the expense. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD, depending on local prices and availability of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Quinoa Salad Recipe Healthy?
This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. Quinoa, the main ingredient, is a superfood packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The addition of fresh herbs like mint and parsley provides a burst of flavor and antioxidants. Pomegranate arils and cranberries offer a sweet-tart taste and are rich in vitamin C and other beneficial compounds. The inclusion of heart-healthy olive oil and almonds contributes to the overall nutritional value of the salad.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the calorie and fat content. Instead, you can use a combination of olive oil and a lighter option like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Swap the dried cranberries for fresh berries or diced apples to reduce the sugar content and increase the fiber.
- Consider using a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or carrots to boost the nutrient profile and add more texture to the salad.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or oil. Try adding basil, cilantro, or a pinch of cumin for a unique twist.
- Opt for raw, unsalted almonds to minimize the sodium content and preserve the natural nutrients found in the nuts.
Editor's Opinion on This Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad Recipe
This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The nutty quinoa pairs beautifully with the tart pomegranate arils and sweet cranberries, while the toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. The fresh mint and parsley bring a vibrant, herbaceous note, complemented by the briny kalamata olives. The dressing, with its citrusy lemon juice and hint of cinnamon, ties everything together with a subtle warmth. It's a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether as a side or a light main course.
Enhance Your Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Quinoa Salads
Why trust this Herbed Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad Recipe:
This herbed quinoa and pomegranate salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the pomegranate arils add a burst of sweetness. Toasted almonds give a satisfying crunch, and the fresh herbs like mint and parsley bring a refreshing note. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing ties everything together with a zesty finish. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a trustworthy choice for a healthy meal.
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