Crafting kale and quinoa salad with this recipe
Kale and quinoa salad is a vegetarian delight that combines kale's nutritional power with quinoa's protein richness. Originating from health-conscious circles, it has gained popularity for its balanced flavors and textures. This dish is a testament to contemporary culinary trends and the increasing preference for plant-based diets. Let's get cooking and bring this nutritious salad to your table.
Gather the following ingredients
For this salad, you need one cup rinsed quinoa, two cups water, a pinch of salt, four cups chopped kale (stems removed), one diced red bell pepper, half a cup chopped walnuts, and one-fourth cup dried cranberries. Dressing requires three tablespoons olive oil, two tablespoons lemon juice, one tablespoon maple syrup or honey, one teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking quinoa perfectly
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a saucepan, mix rinsed quinoa with two cups of water and a pinch of salt. Heat it to a boil over medium-high, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let it sit covered for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Preparing kale properly
While the quinoa cooks, wash the kale thoroughly under cold water. Dry it well using a salad spinner or by patting dry with towels. Then, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, ensuring to remove any tough stems. This preparation ensures every bite of the salad is tender and enjoyable, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Mixing ingredients together
In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled cooked quinoa with the chopped kale leaves. Then, add in the diced red bell pepper and dried cranberries, which introduce a layer of sweetness; the chopped walnuts contribute a satisfying crunchiness. This combination creates the salad's base, which is not only visually appealing but also densely packed with various nutrients.
Dressing your salad
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (freshly squeezed gives best results), maple syrup or honey (depending on preference), Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper according to taste until emulsified. Pour this dressing over your salad mixture tossing everything together ensuring each ingredient gets coated evenly; adjust seasoning if necessary after tasting.
