Pomegranate Pistachio Quinoa Grain Salad (Printable Version)
Vibrant Mediterranean quinoa with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and fresh herbs in zesty lemon dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa
02 - 2 cups water
→ Fruits & Nuts
03 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds
04 - 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
→ Vegetables & Herbs
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make:
01 - Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooled quinoa, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, diced cucumber, red onion, chopped parsley, and mint until evenly distributed.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in small bowl until fully emulsified and smooth.
04 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The jewel toned colors make even a Tuesday dinner feel like something special without any extra effort.
- That lemon cumin dressing seeps into the quinoa and transforms something plain into something you will actually crave.
02 -
- Hot quinoa will cook your fresh herbs into sad little wilted things so patience actually matters here.
- The flavors need at least an hour to meet each other properly if you want the full experience.
03 -
- Make the quinoa a day ahead and refrigerate it so you are not waiting around for it to cool.
- Save a few pomegranate seeds and pistachios to scatter on top right before serving for that fresh made look.