Quinoa with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Feta – a delicious, protein-rich salad that can be served warm or chilled. Great as a side dish or vegetarian main course.
The new year is here and along with it, the cold weather has finally arrived here in Massachusetts. With the holiday season behind us, and with the fresh start of the new year, I’ve been in the mood for some healthy dishes such as quinoa salads.
Since the temperatures are colder, I wanted to make a quinoa salad that could be served warm, such as this delicious Quinoa with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Feta.
A Combination of Superfoods
This colorful salad combines two of my favorite superfoods — quinoa and pomegranates, which are currently in season — along with heart-healthy pistachios.
Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber. Pomegranates are high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and anti-oxidants. Pistachios are high in fiber, protein and potassium as well. They all go so well together in this flavorful salad.
This delicious Quinoa with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Feta can be served warm or chilled and is an excellent side dish for a variety of entrees such as chicken, beef, seafood or some grilled veggies.
This Quinoa with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Feta is full of protein and would be great in the lunchbox along with a green salad or as a vegetarian main course.
Quinoa with Pomegranate, Pistachios and Feta - a delicious, protein-rich salad that can be served warm or chilled, great as a side dish or vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (1 lb) quinoa
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 3 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup pistachios
- ¾ - 1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the package directions; set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Add in the quinoa, fresh parsley, fresh mint, green onions, pistachios and pomegranates and toss to combine. Gently fold in feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate (see Notes).
Notes
This salad can be served warm, chilled or at room temperature. Pistachios tend to lose their nice crunch and get soft when they sit in a salad like this for a few hours, so if you plan to serve this salad chilled or make it ahead of time, prepare the salad according to directions, adding all ingredients in step 3 except the pistachios. Add the pistachios just before serving.
Also, if you don’t think you can use the whole amount at once, add the pistachios to individual servings rather than to the whole salad.
One pomegranate will yield ¾ – 1 cups of pomegranate arils.
To easily remove arils from a pomegranate, use a knife to score four lines from top to bottom to quarter the pomegranate. Fill a large bowl with cool water. Submerge the scored pomegranate in the water and using hands, break into quarters. Use fingers to separate the arils from the membrane. The arils will sink to the bottom and the membrane will float to the top. Discard membrane, remove arils from water and drain.
I fell in love with Quinoa this past year. I love how you added pistachios to this dish I already love!
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack recently posted…4 Day Menu Plan Using Leftovers
I agree what a great little side dish Joy!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday and I hope to see you tomorrow! Pinned!
What a great dish, Joy. We will just love this combination! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Baked Steak and Potatoes
I love pomegranate but never have it at home for some reason?! This looks fresh and delicious and colorful and happy – love it!
Jessica recently posted…Peach + Banana Chia Smoothies (+ A $700 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY)
We love pomegranate and quinoa but have never imagined combining the two. The feta takes both to an entirely new level; talk about a dynamic duo! Fantastic job!!!
Platter Talk recently posted…Julia Child’s Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Recipe
I love quinoa and we eat it couple times a week.Your dish looks fabulous!!
I hope to try this recipe soon
Winnie recently posted…ביסקוטי אגוזים שקדים ופירות יבשים
You have all my favorite things getting married in that bowl. I love that purple color too, so pretty!
What a wonderful/colorful combination along with healthy ingredients.
Will give it a try 🙂
Happy to link up!
I thought you had a linky 🙂
My bad!
but still a delight to visit you
xoxo
ruchira recently posted…Wordless Wednesday #114
I love how bright and tasty this dish looks, what a great mixture of flavors!
Sara @ Life’s Little Sweets recently posted…Gingerbread Spice Cake
Yum! What a great combo of flavors!
This looks and sounds delicious and I love pistachio nuts 🙂
stevebethere recently posted…WW On A Tuesday – What?
what an interesting combo. I love pote so I will absolutely try it sooon!
Claudia | Gourmet Project recently posted…sopa de lima (wintry version) & manna cream
This warm salad sounds delicious! Hopefully it will stave off any sniffles that tend to come along with the cold wether!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal recently posted…Rustic Italian One-Pot Chicken and Rice
What a wonderful dish! I love the colors and the beauty of it is that it is good for you. Yummy. Quinoa is a staple in our house. Thank you for sharing.
Wow – looks so tasty, and pretty too!
Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/01/shells-on-shells.html
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky recently posted…Shells on shells
What a delicious sounding quinoa recipe. I love feta with quinoa, but never thought to add fruit. Migh thave to give that a try!
Michelle @SimplifyLiveLove recently posted…5 Must Know Tips to Save Money on Organic Meat
Feta pairs perfectly with the mild taste of quinoa and the salad looks absolutely perfect!
What a delicious salad! I don’t usually cook that much with quinoa but will definitely give this one a try
Oana@AdoreFoods recently posted…One Pan Mushroom Chicken and Creamy Rice
Mint and pomegranate, pistachios and feta along with quinoa is a healthy power house and the flavors sound so interesting! I must try it!
Diane recently posted…Bruschetta Ham Casserole
Yummy yummy yummy combination. We eat a lot of quinoa and you have come up with such a new and clever idea. It is full of my favorite ingredients. The olive oil, lemon juice and mint make a yummy sounding dressing too.
Marjie@HomeAgainJiggetyjig.com/wp recently posted…THE BEST THINGS TO BUY IN JANUARY
This looks wonderful. I recently started cooking with quinoa and am loving your recipe.
Betsy @ Desserts Required recently posted…Fudgy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownies
This is the super healthy and yummy dish. I will try it soon. It looks delicious. Love quinoa and this is a great combination. Love it. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble recently posted…Want To See What I Bought After Christmas???
I am eating pomegranate every day! I will try this as a new variation. Looks delicious!
Analida’s Ethnic Spoon recently posted…Pomegranate Margarita Recipe
Quinoa is so versatile that is paired easily with so many things. This combination looks delicious.
Nicky recently posted…5 Family Travel Resolutions You Should Make This Year
What a delicious combination! I would have never thought to put those items together but I bet they are tasty. I don’t think I’ve ever put pistachios in anything and I love them so this will be a good one to try.
Denise Wright recently posted…Hot Pepper Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Oh my! I just love quinoa salads and that pomegranate makes it look so pretty too. I am going to have to make this!
Carlee recently posted…Sprinkle Filled Birthday Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Totally in love with this dish. I love quinoa, geta, pistachios and pomegrantes–it is singing to me.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom recently posted…Thyme Infused Citrus Salad
Love the flavors, and so colorful as well. This is the sort of thing I always enjoy when I make it but never get round to enough! Thanks for reminding me!
Caroline | carolinescooking recently posted…Scotch broth
This salad sounds awesome! I should start buying quinoa more often. Stopping by from Friendship Friday. Have a great day!
What a mouth awakening recipe! I’m definitely giving this a try. Thanks! 🙂
Kelly recently posted…Homestead Blog Hop 64
This salad looks delicious. I’ve been wanting to eat more quinoa but I tried it plain once and wasn’t keen. I may have to try it your way because it looks really nice.
Happy New Year Joy! It’s been a while since I popped over! I don’t know that I have ever cooked anything with quinoa. Looks very healthy and colorful. I am sure your family enjoys this.
zan recently posted…Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken & Potato Casserole