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Home » Quinoa Recipes » Quinoa Salad Recipes » Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Candied Almonds

Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Candied Almonds

Published: Nov 29, 2017 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Nov 14, 2020 · 722 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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If you are looking for a festive salad that is just as delicious as it is pretty, you are going to fall in love with this Pomegranate Quinoa Salad. With candied almonds, goat cheese, and a zippy dressing, this is one I turn to again and again.

Photo of Pomegranate Quinoa Salad and a fresh pomegrantate

Monday, on a whim, we decided to take the day off and take the kids to Disney Springs. Skye has been wanting to go bowling (she wants to try anything she sees), and so we went bowling and had lunch at Splitsville.

Then hubby took Skye to ride the train, while the boys and I went shopping for some new Christmas Ornaments. I surprised them and let them build lightsabers at the Star Wars store.

It all sounds so simple, but it was one of the most perfect days I can remember. The weather was pristine, the crowds light, and all three kids were on their best behavior.

Truly time in a bottle.

(Let's forget the part about me needing bumpers when I bowl, K?)

Photo of two bowls of Pomegranate Quinoa Salad


I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude every time I think about that day.

I have so much to be grateful for, every day.

An amazing family that makes my heart sing.

A business that gives me the gift of time and location independence and allows me to be there for my children.

But, like a lot of people, sometimes I forget this.

Close up shot of Pomegranate Quinoa Salad


Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all there is to do. I get disappointed by setbacks or things not going as planned. A lot of times, I just don't feel like I'm "enough," because it feels like there is always so much that goes undone.

I think one of the most important things that we can do during the busiest time of year, is to take a step back and breath. There were a million things I "needed" to be doing Monday, but I made the decision to be present with my kids and was rewarded by one of the best days I can remember.

You know what else I was grateful for Monday? This Pomegranate Quinoa Salad, that was already waiting for me in the fridge.

Side shot of Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Not only is this quinoa salad beautiful, but it is packed with flavor

Take my advice - double the recipe for the almonds because there is a really good chance that your family (or maybe you!) will snack on them before you get them onto the salad. And if almonds aren’t your thing, feel free to use cashews, walnuts or pecans.

If you try this Pomegranate Quinoa Salad, let me know what you think!

If You Like this Pomegranate Quinoa Salad, You May Also Like:

  • Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranates and Walnuts
  • Roasted Acorn Squash, Quinoa & Pomegranate Salad
  • Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad with Crispy Quinoa
  • Chicken, Pomegranate & Cashew Quinoa Salad
  • DIY Christmas Wreath
  • Gluten Free Recipes for Christmas

Tools Needed

  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush
  • Small Saucepan
  • Blender
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Candied Almonds

This healthy Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese is one of those recipes you will make over and over! It is naturally gluten free and easily made vegan.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy, Quinoa
Servings: 8
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

Almonds

  • ¼ cup sugar organic, or sweetener of choice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup Marcona Almonds (you can use regular almonds too)

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup Pomegranate Vinegar see note
  • ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Salad

  • 10 ounces mixed salad greens chopped
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 4 ounces goat cheese optional

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a small sauce pan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium high and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly golden. (You can use a wet pastry brush to brush down the sugar crystals that accumulate on the side of the pan.)  Remove from heat and stir in almonds. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and allow to cool. Use a knife and coarsely chop.
  • Make dressing by combining vinegars, mustard, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth. Add olive oil in a steady stream. Process until emulsified.
  • In a large bowl combine chopped salad greens and quinoa. Stir in pomegranate seeds and goat cheese. Toss with desired amount of dressing. Top with almonds and serve.

Notes

If you don't have Pomegranate Vinegar,  use ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 9.5mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1.7mg
« How to Make a Gingerbread House
Gluten Free Apple Crisp »

About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allan James

    June 14, 2017 at 8:35 am

    Thanks a lot for sharing such a fantastic recipe. Looks perfect delicious. I really like to appreciate. I have never made it before, as it seems like a large and daunting task, but I am going to go ahead and get some and try it out now! I am also so much impressed by your glorious images. It's really awesome.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
  2. GiGi Eats

    November 30, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    This may come as a huge shock but... I have never had a pomegranate before!

    Reply
  3. Shannon Graham

    December 16, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    5 stars
    The candied almonds aspect just really perfects this salad.

    Reply
  4. Odette

    June 27, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Amazing Recipe! Thanks! Will cook it today for husband)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 22 Winter Salads to Supercharge Your Diet - Wendy Polisi says:
    January 2, 2016 at 8:05 PM

    […] Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Candied Almonds by Wendy Polisi […]

    Reply
  2. 101 Sensational Quinoa Salads That You Should Try - Wendy Polisi says:
    May 27, 2017 at 6:04 AM

    […] Quinoa Tabouli Salad Judy’s Quinoa Salad Quinoa Roasted Eggplant and Zucchini Salad Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Candied Almonds Pear Quinoa Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad with Cranberries Apple and Pecans […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out! Read More…

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