Quinoa with Peppery Watercress, Pears, and Pomegranate

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
51%
Quinoa with Peppery Watercress, Pears, and Pomegranate
25 min.
4
326kcal

Suggestions


Looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish that will brighten up your table? This vibrant Quinoa with Peppery Watercress, Pears, and Pomegranate is the perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and peppery goodness. With the earthy flavor of quinoa and the zesty bite of watercress, combined with the juicy sweetness of pears and the burst of tangy pomegranate, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also boasts impressive nutritional benefits. It's a light yet satisfying option, with just 326 calories per serving, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free lifestyle. Plus, the addition of walnuts provides a hearty dose of healthy fats, while the pomegranate arils bring a pop of color and antioxidants to the mix.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish to complement your main course or just a wholesome meal on its own, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s quick and easy to prepare in under 25 minutes, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or a simple weeknight dinner. Give this quinoa salad a try and experience the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

  •  pears cored ripe peeled cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
  • tablespoons pomegranate juice (see note in post above)
  • cup quinoa uncooked
  • 0.5 cup walnuts chopped
  • cups water 
  • bunch watercress packed sliced ( 1-)
  • tablespoons citrus champagne vinegar 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water and drain.
  2. Combine the water and quinoa in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until quinoa is tender and all the water is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Place the cooked quinoa in a large bowl with the watercress, pear chunks, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, juice, and vinegar. Stir to combine, then serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories326kcal
Protein10.65%
Fat33.15%
Carbs56.2%

Properties

Glycemic Index
38.94
Glycemic Load
6.2
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
16.297391165858%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
2.41mg
Delphinidin
0.06mg
Pelargonidin
0.01mg
Catechin
0.32mg
Epigallocatechin
0.56mg
Epicatechin
3.36mg
Epicatechin 3-gallate
0.02mg
Epigallocatechin 3-gallate
0.15mg
Isorhamnetin
0.27mg
Kaempferol
1.44mg
Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
2.7mg
Gallocatechin
0.03mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:325.9kcal
16.29%
Fat:12.51g
19.24%
Saturated Fat:1.25g
7.8%
Carbohydrates:47.7g
15.9%
Net Carbohydrates:40.13g
14.59%
Sugar:12.81g
14.24%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:13.67mg
0.59%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:9.04g
18.09%
Manganese:1.46mg
72.81%
Copper:0.61mg
30.73%
Fiber:7.57g
30.29%
Magnesium:118.84mg
29.71%
Folate:108.89µg
27.22%
Phosphorus:268.05mg
26.81%
Vitamin K:24.07µg
22.92%
Vitamin B6:0.34mg
16.89%
Vitamin B1:0.23mg
15.6%
Iron:2.64mg
14.68%
Potassium:494.76mg
14.14%
Zinc:1.96mg
13.05%
Vitamin B2:0.2mg
11.75%
Vitamin C:8.84mg
10.72%
Vitamin E:1.46mg
9.73%
Selenium:4.6µg
6.57%
Vitamin B5:0.57mg
5.73%
Calcium:56.68mg
5.67%
Vitamin B3:1.04mg
5.21%
Vitamin A:230.56IU
4.61%