Summer salad with pomegranate and pecans

Good For you!

Do you want to feel like a medieval queen or king? Well, all you need is a pomegranate! These ruby-red fruits have been prized for their flavor and beauty for centuries, and they’re packed with health benefits too. Here are just a few reasons why you should add some pomegranate to your life:

1. They’re a real showstopper. Pomegranates are seriously stunning, with their jewel-like seeds and deep red color. Eating one is like having a fancy, edible piece of art in your hands.
2. They’re a little bit tricky to eat. Okay, so this might not seem like a benefit at first, but hear us out. Pomegranates are like a little puzzle, with their tough outer skin and hundreds of seeds hidden inside. Eating one requires a bit of work, but the reward is worth it – those juicy seeds are like little bursts of flavour in your mouth.
3. They’re high in antioxidants. Pomegranates are one of the best sources of antioxidants out there, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy.
4. They’re good for your heart. Studies have shown that drinking pomegranate juice can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, the antioxidants in pomegranates can help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries.
5. They’re a symbol of fertility. In some cultures, pomegranates are seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance. So, if you’re trying to start a family, adding some pomegranate to your diet might just give you that extra boost you need. Worth a try!

Quinoa

If you’re looking for a healthy and versatile grain to add to your diet, look no further than quinoa. This ancient grain has been a staple of South American cuisine for centuries, and it’s quickly gained popularity around the world for its nutty flavor, impressive nutrient profile, and versatility in the kitchen.

First of all, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need to function properly. This makes it an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. Additionally, quinoa is high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.

I always like to batch cook quinoa so there is always some ready for a quick salad such as this. If you don’t have any precooked, just follow the instructions below:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
2. Combine the quinoa and water or broth in a medium-sized pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
4. Simmer the quinoa for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add salt to taste.

Ingredients

Just a few simple ingredient needed for a wonderfully bright and tasty salad.

• 100 g curly kale
• 80 g cooked quinoa
• ½ lemon juiced
• 1 small avocado cut into small cubes
• 30 g pecans toasted
• 80 g pomegranate seeds
• pinch salt

Preparation

We all love a massage. Well so does kale!

Kale can be quite tough without subjecting to heat and in a salad can make it more difficult to chew compared to spinach or other greens.

Give your kale a massage with some lemon juice and salt, and you break it down, making it more tender.

Doing this with lemon and salt also gives the kale lovely seasoning.

Why not try…

This is such a simple recipe that can be mixed up depending on what ingredients you have to hand. Substituting the pomegranate for peach slices and the pecans for toasted walnuts also works wonderfully. You could use any greens instead of kale. Baby spinach is wonderful. Just note that you don’t need to rub the spinach with the lemon and salt like you would with the kale.

Print Recipe

Summer salad with pomegranate and pecans

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Diet: Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: kale, pecan, pomegranate

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

• 100 g curly kale
• 80 g cooked quinoa
• ½ lemon juiced
• 1 small avocado cut into small cubes
• 30 g pecans toasted
• 80 g pomegranate seeds
• pinch salt

Instructions

• Massage the kale in a bowl by adding the lemon juice and salt and rubbing the kale between your fingers for 3 minutes.
• Add the kale to a serving bowl and toss through the rest of the ingredients.

Notes

1. Feel free to substitute the pecans with another nut.
2. Spinach also works well in place of kale, and doesn’t need to be massaged.