Herbed Jewel Harvest Salad (Full Recipe)

🧾 Ingredients

🌈 Salad Base (The “Jewels”):

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or couscous/bulgur)
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds ❤️
• ½ cup roasted sweet potato cubes 🍠
• ½ cup cucumber (diced)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 🍅
• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

🌿 Fresh Herbs:

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)
• Optional: fresh coriander

🧀 Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)

🥣 Lemon Herb Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Base

• Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• Let it cool completely.

2. Roast Sweet Potatoes

• Toss cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
• Let cool.

3. Prep Ingredients

• Chop vegetables and herbs.
• Remove seeds from pomegranate.
• Slice onions thinly.

4. Make Dressing

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Garlic
  • Cumin
  • Salt & pepper

5. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • Quinoa
  • Sweet potatoes
  • All vegetables
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Dried fruit
  • Herbs
• Add feta and nuts (if using).

6. Toss & Rest

• Pour dressing over salad.
• Toss gently until well combined.
• Let sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb flavors.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve as a main salad 🥗
• Pair with grilled chicken or fish 🍗🐟
• Great for festive dinners or gatherings 🎉

✨ Why It’s Called “Jewel” Salad

• Bright colors from pomegranate, veggies, and herbs
• Sweet + savory balance
• Beautiful presentation like edible gems 💎

🔥 Tips

• Use fresh herbs generously—they make a big difference 🌿
• Don’t skip roasting sweet potatoes (adds depth)
• Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess

🌿 Variations

• Vegan: Skip feta or use plant-based cheese
• Protein boost: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken
• Grain-free: Skip quinoa and add more veggies