Kale & Quinoa Salad – Healthy, fresh ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- Water (for cooking quinoa + 1-2 tablespoons)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large leaves of kale, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or crushed
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots (depending on size), grated or julienned
Kale & Quinoa Salad is a powerhouse of nutrients that makes for a perfect addition to any health-conscious diet. This salad is a combination of cooked quinoa, which provides complex carbohydrates and protein, and finely chopped kale, celebrated for its high vitamin content. The mix is enhanced with the addition of crunchy vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, and sprinkled with nuts or seeds for added texture. The salad is dressed in a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. It's a vibrant dish that works great as a standalone meal or a complementary side and is especially popular among vegetarians and vegans looking for a protein-rich option. Description by ChatGPT.
Embrace the essence of nutritious greens and hearty grains with this Crunchy Kale Quinoa Salad. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or a fulfilling light lunch, this salad is not only packed with flavor but also with health benefits. The combination of kale and quinoa has been a hit among Green Healthy Cooking fans, and it's easy to see why. Follow this simple recipe to create a salad that's bursting with color, texture, and taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- Water (for cooking quinoa + 1-2 tablespoons)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large leaves of kale, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or crushed
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots (depending on size), grated or julienned
Instructions:
1. Begin with cooking the quinoa. In a small pot with a very tight-fitting lid, add the quinoa, a pinch of salt, and enough water to cover the quinoa by an inch. Bring it to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with the lid, and set a timer for 10 minutes. Once the timer is off, turn off the heat but keep the pot on the stove, covered, letting it sit for another 10 minutes so that the steam continues cooking the quinoa.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the kale. Remove the hard stems, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, and place them into a large salad bowl.
3. Make the dressing. Whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, grated garlic, sea salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil until the dressing emulsifies and reaches a creamy texture.
4. Pour about half of the dressing over the kale leaves. Massage it into the leaves to break them down and make them softer. Ensure every piece is well-coated as it helps the dressing reach into every nook of the kale.
5. Continue prepping your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes and red onion and add them to the bowl with the kale. Then, grate or julienne the carrots into the salad.
6. Once the quinoa is done, spread it on a plate to let it cool slightly. If you prefer the kale crunchy, ensure the quinoa is not too hot before adding it to the salad bowl. Otherwise, add it steaming hot if you prefer wilted kale.
7. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the quinoa and veggies and toss well until everything is evenly mixed.
8. Your Crunchy Kale Quinoa Salad is ready to serve. Enjoy and remember to snap a picture if you try this recipe!
---
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment: Small pot with lid, salad bowl, whisk, chopping board, knife
Servings: 2-4
Cooking Tips: Massaging kale with dressing softens its texture and enhances the flavor. Let the quinoa steam after cooking to ensure it's fluffy and not wet.
This recipe has been brought to you by Green Healthy Cooking. Explore more health-conscious recipes at their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Greenhealthycooking
#crunchykalesalad #quinoarecipe #greenhealthycooking #saladrecipe #nutritiousmeal #massagedkale #homemadedressing #easycooking #chefsguidance #chatgpt
Comments