Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad
It is pomegranate season, and it is the perfect time for Olive Sunshine’s Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad. What I love about this salad is it takes me five minutes to throw it together. Pomegranates are beautiful. They are refreshingly sweet and tart on this simple salad. The Quinoa gives it a nutty, chewiness that is the perfect texture on top of the mixed greens. Goat cheese, with all its rich creaminess is perfect with the juicy burst of the pomegranate.
While quinoa is a plant, the Whole Grain Council includes it on the list of certified whole grains. It has all of the nutritional values a whole grain with many additional benefits. It is Gluten-free and easier to cook with a lighter and fluffier texture than most grains. Loaded with protein and complex carbohydrate quinoa is magic.
Prep the Quinoa – Save Time
Each weekend I pick one grain to utilize in several recipes for the rest of the week. Quinoa is a perfect one to make as it keeps easily in the refrigerator. I prepare enough of the grain to us throughout the week. This week I made my one of my favorite quinoa recipes, Cheesy Quinoa Bean Enchiladas (oh my goodness so delicious – but I do digress). While the enchiladas were in the oven, I quickly threw together the Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad in to-go containers ready for my work-day lunch. On the Mediterranean Diet, fast food takes on a different meaning!
Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad for Dinner?
Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad reminds me of a salad I would get in a high-end restaurant before dinner, yet it is hearty enough for a light dinner. When my Sweetheart is traveling, this is one of my go-to meals. It feels like a special dinner with none of the work. Recently when Mark was out of town for work, I grilled a piece of day-old focaccia in extra-virgin olive oil, added some avocado to the salad and poured a glass of Chianti. It was the perfect night off from the kitchen without neglecting myself. This salad is also splendid topped with shrimp or with Olive Sunshine Virginia Style Crab Cakes.
On social media sites for beginners of the Mediterranean Diet, newcomers are often struggling with food preparation. This way of eating (WOE) can seem overwhelming. Preparing food that is not ready made, or prepackaged “convenience” foods can seem complicated. But this WOE does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Pomegranate Quinoa and Goat Cheese Salad is an example of a complete meal that could not be any simpler to throw together. Fast food that is good for you! Enjoy
Ingredients
The Dressing
Instructions
Arrange the mixed greens on a platter, Sprinkle cooled quinoa evenly on the greens.
Whisk the ingredients for the salad, oil, vinegar and mint. Toss with the greens and quinoa.
Top with pomegranate and goat cheese. Serve immediately.
If making the salad in advance, hold the dressing until ready to serve or the greens will wilt.
