Pomegranate Rice Salad

Bursting with juicy sweetness and packed with antioxidants, this delightful fruit adds a nutritious twist to the salad. It’s like a little ruby of goodness, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal. To make life easier, we have a make-ahead tip for you: Cook your quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble this masterpiece. It’s a time-saving hack that allows you to effortlessly create a stunning side dish whenever the craving strikes.

Vibrant pomegranate rice salad with fresh greens and crunchy toppings.

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked quinoa, any kind – see options below
  • ½ cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
  • 3 radish, sliced
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Roasted Chickpeas, optional

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, plus 1 teaspoon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, zest, lemon juice, cumin, coriander,  salt, and a pinch of pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the radish, garlic, pinches of salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute until soft. Reduce heat to low and add the cooked quinoa, using the back of a wooden spoon to break up any clumps. Heat until warmed through. Turn off the heat and stir in the dressing and pomegranates. Top with mint leaves and roasted chickpeas, if using. Season to taste and serve.

Leave a Comment





Kylie

Kylie Ivanir

Kylie Ivanir, RD, MS is a registered dietitian and founder of Within Nutrition. She helps women support their gut, balance hormones and stabilise blood sugar so they can feel more energised and at home in their bodies. With degrees from UCLA and Columbia University Medical Center, Kylie combines evidence-based nutrition with a root-cause, functional approach. Through her private practice, podcast and online community, she has supported thousands of women in improving their gut, hormone and metabolic health without restriction or overwhelm.