Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad
I think I’m probably the last food blogger to try quinoa. Seriously, I don’t know what was holding me back for so long, but once I tried it I never looked back.
You want to know another food that I’ve never tried until now? Pomegranate. Lame? Yes. But hey, I’m putting myself out there and trying these new foods. Better late than never. I saw this recipe pop up on Katie’s blog soon after watching the Good Eats episode about pomegranates. Alton Brown said that pomegranates or their seeds will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 months! So you could grab some at the store now while they’re in season and still be enjoying them in the spring.
Hubby and I thouroughly enjoyed this quinoa salad. The pomegranate seeds provide not only sweetness but also a fun little burst of juice and a crunch as you bite into them. I made two batches of this colorful side dish in one weekend we enjoyed it so much!
What new foods have you been wanting to try?
One Year Ago: Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake and Gooey Bars
Two Years Ago: Inauguration Day Cupcakes
Three Years Ago: Clam Chowder
Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Yield: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Juice of 1/2 an orange
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbs slivered almonds
Directions:
Start by bringing the chicken stock to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover and reduce head to low. Let the quinoa simmer until the liquid has evaporated.
Once the quinoa is done, set it aside and let it cool slightly.
Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add the orange juice and cranberries. Toss to combine, salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix in the pomegranate seeds and top with almonds. Serve either warm, room temperature or cold.
Recipe from The Small Boston Kitchen
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I just love blueberries and your bars look simply incredible!!
These bars are so awesome!! Gorgeous!
holy cow these look fabulous! i need more blueberries in my life, and quick- i’m already onto peaches so hoping i didn’t miss out 🙂
These pie bars look amazing! I`m wishing I had blueberries right now!
I love pie bars!! They look so delicious 🙂 I am loving this recipe!
Yum these are gorgeous. Love the changes you made.
Tried it, tasted awesome! Thanks for the recipe!!
beantownbaker — September 26th, 2013 @ 8:47 am
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Made these and my family ate them in one day! Thanks for the great recipe!!
beantownbaker — October 6th, 2013 @ 8:11 pm
So glad you enjoyed these. I have made them a couple times with different fruits and they’re always a hit.
Made these this past weekend using blueberries and blackberries in equal parts. I love the ease of the crumb crust and top. The only thing I will change when I make them again will be to add lemon juice and zest to the filling. I like the tartness of lemon with blueberries. Will make these with peaches when they are in season. Easy and tasty…thanks!
beantownbaker — April 27th, 2014 @ 2:47 pm
I’ve made these with peaches and they’re delicious – definitely do that this summer.
Tried these today because I needed to clear out some frozen blueberries. Used a small rectangle Pyrex dish instead, which worked fine. Added a bit of fresh grated nutmeg. Cut into 12 squares and served with ice cream. This is a keeper!
beantownbaker — September 2nd, 2014 @ 7:25 pm
Love fresh nutmeg! Sounds great.