Break your fast this Ramadan with a light, nutritious, and elegant salad that combines the natural sweetness of premium Emirati dates with the vibrant flavors of pomegranate and fresh herbs. This Date & Pomegranate Quinoa Salad is specially crafted to provide a gentle introduction to your evening meal, offering both essential nutrients and delightful flavors that will energize you after a day of fasting.
Why This Salad is Perfect for Iftar
Breaking your fast with the right foods is crucial during Ramadan. This salad is specifically designed to:
- Provide quick energy through natural sugars from dates and pomegranate
- Offer sustainable energy through protein-rich quinoa
- Deliver essential nutrients and hydration
- Be gentle on your digestive system
- Can be prepared in advance, allowing more time for prayer and family
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa
- 8-10 The Date Room Kholas dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
- Prepare the Quinoa:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water
- Cook according to package instructions
- Allow to cool completely
- Fluff with a fork
- Toast the Pine Nuts:
- Heat a small pan over medium heat
- Toast pine nuts until golden brown, stirring constantly
- Set aside to cool
- Prepare the Dates and Vegetables:
- Chop The Date Room Kholas dates into small pieces
- Finely dice the red onion
- Chop fresh herbs
- Remove pomegranate seeds if using fresh pomegranate
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice
- Add pomegranate molasses and sumac
- Season with salt and pepper
- Whisk until well combined
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa with chopped dates
- Add pomegranate seeds, herbs, and diced onion
- Pour over the dressing
- Toss gently to combine
- Top with toasted pine nuts
Serving Suggestions
- Serve at room temperature
- Can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance
- Store in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before serving
- Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs just before serving
Nutritional Benefits for Fasting
This salad is thoughtfully composed to provide essential nutrients when breaking your fast:
- Dates: Rich in natural sugars for immediate energy, plus fiber and essential minerals
- Quinoa: Complete protein source, complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Pomegranate: High in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Pine Nuts: Healthy fats and protein
- Fresh Herbs: Essential vitamins and minerals
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties
Make-Ahead Tips
For busy Ramadan evenings:
- Cook quinoa up to 2 days ahead
- Prepare dressing up to 24 hours in advance
- Toast pine nuts several days ahead
- Chop dates and prepare pomegranate seeds the morning of
- Combine all ingredients 2-4 hours before serving
Why Choose The Date Room Kholas Dates
The success of this recipe relies on using high-quality dates. The Date Room’s premium Kholas dates, with their rich, caramel-like sweetness and soft texture, are perfect for this salad. Our dates are carefully selected from our farms in Al-Ain, ensuring you get the finest quality for your Ramadan table.
Visit our website www.thedateroom.com or our store in Abu Dhabi to select your perfect dates for this recipe and explore our full range of premium Emirati dates and date products.
Wishing you a blessed Ramadan filled with memorable moments around the table with family and friends. For more Ramadan recipes and date inspiration, follow us on social media and visit our blog regularly throughout the holy month.
A Sweet Note from The Date Room Family: Our recipes are created with love and shared in the spirit of Ramadan generosity. While we use our premium dates and ingredients in specific measurements, we encourage you to adjust flavors to your preference – after all, every family has its own special touch! As with any culinary journey, please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions, and feel free to adapt ingredients accordingly. Each kitchen and cooking experience is unique, so consider our measurements and timing as friendly guidelines rather than strict rules. Most importantly, we hope these recipes bring joy and warmth to your Ramadan table.
