Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad
A vibrant salad combining fluffy quinoa with sweet pomegranate seeds and tangy feta. This mediterranean-inspired sheet pan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs quinoa, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, uncooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa and cook in a pot with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, toss 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup cooked quinoa. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss until well combined.
- Step 3: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Pomegranate Quinoa Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
